Tuanigamanuolepola Donny Tagovailoa, popularly known as Tua Tagovailoa is an American Football quarterback for the Miami Dolphins. The 6 ft 1 in signal caller was a fifth overall selection by the Miami Dolphins in the 2020 draft. The Hawaii native is a one time Pro Bowler and 2023 passing yards leader in his four seasons as a Dolphin. He was an honorable mention on the top 10 quarterbacks survey done by ESPN in July 2024 where opinions of various executives, scouts and coaches were asked. By the end of 2023 season, Tagovailoa had managed to stack up 12,639 passing yards, 81 passing touchdowns, 6 rushing touchdowns, and a record of 32-19 as a starter.
Tagovailoa entered the Alabama program and as a true freshman in 2017, won the backup spot behind Jalen Hurts. However, his biggest moment came in the 2018 National Championship game, when he was asked to replace ineffective Jalen Hurts in the second half of the game. After helping the Crimson Tide win Natty that year, he was named the starter for the following season. His brilliant collegiate career saw him pass for more than 7,400 yards while scoring 96 total touchdowns with 11 interceptions. After a slow start to his pro career, Tagovailoa took off in 2022 with the arrival of new head coach Mike McDaniel. He had the highest passer rating in the league in 2022 while the following year led the league in passing yards (4,624). Tagovailoa’s extraordinary on-field performance landed him a 4-year contract extension with Miami in 2024.
Tua Tagovailoa Contract Breakdown
Tua Tagovailoa signed his contract of 4 years $212.4 million with the Miami Dolphins on July 26, 2024, as per Spotrac. The contract runs through the 2028 season with a potential out option after the 2026 season.
| Contract | Signing Bonus | Average Salary | GTD at Sign | Total GTD |
| 4 yr(s) / $212,400,000 | $42,000,000 | $53,100,000 | $93,171,000 | $167,171,000 |
The details of the contract are provided below:
| Year | Base Salary | Signing Bonus | Option Bonus | Roster Bonus | Cap Hit | Dead Cap | Yearly Cash |
| 2024 | $1,125,000 | $42,000,000 | $9,526,890 | $93,171,000 | $43,126,890 | ||
| 2025 | $25,046,000 | $25,000,000 | $39,446,000 | $83,646,000 | $51,046,000 | ||
| 2026 | $39,000,000 | $15,000,000 | $56,400,000 | $45,200,000 | $55,000,000 | ||
| 2027 | $31,000,000 | $5,000,000 | $53,400,000 | $31,800,000 | $37,000,000 | ||
| 2028 | $41,400,000 | $7,000,000 | $65,800,000 | $18,400,000 | $49,400,000 | ||
| 2029 (VOID) | $11,000,000 | $5,000,000 |
What are the terms of Tua Tagovailoa's Contract?
Tagovailoa’s deal with the Dolphins included a signing bonus of $42 million and guaranteed him $93.1 million at the signing, according to Spotrac.
Tua Tagovailoa Salary
In 2024, Tagovailoa is set to earn a base salary of $1.1 million as per Spotrac. The contract amounts for 2024 to carry a cap hit of $9.5 million and a dead cap value of $93 million. As per the terms of Tua Tagovailoa’s current contract with the Miami Dolphins, he has an average annual salary of $53.1 million.
How much does Tua Tagovailoa make per minute?
Tua Tagovailoa is set to make around $101 per minute in his four-year contract with the Miami Dolphins.
How much of Tua Tagovailoa’s Contract is guaranteed?
Tua Tagovailoa’s deal guarantees him $167 million out of the whole $212.4 million mentioned in his contract with the Dolphins.
Tua Tagovailoa Contract History
Tua has signed one contract before signing his 4-year contract extension in 2024. It was his rookie contract with the Dolphins.
| Year | Contract | Signing Bonus | Average Salary | GTD at Sign | Total GTD |
| 2020 - 2024 | 4 yr(s) / $30,275,438 | $19,578,500 | $7,568,860 | $30,275,438 | $30,275,438 |
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FAQs
A. This year, Tua Tagovailoa is slated to earn $1,010,000 in base salary along with an additional roster bonus worth $3,728,469.
A. Tua Tagovailoa is married to Annah Gore, his partner since his Alabama days.
A. As of 2024, Tua Tagovailoa has played 4 seasons in the NFL.
