MIAMI GARDENS — We suggested in this space, last week, that the Miami Dolphins' contract extension with Tua Tagovailoa could land at around five years and $53 million a season.

It landed at four years and $53.1 million a season.

That's a whopping $212.4 million.

No, we were not eavesdropping on conversations between Dolphins general manager Chris Grier, team contract negotiator Brandon Shore and Athletes First agent Ryan Williams.

It just seemed about where it figured to land.

Earlier on Friday, a fan poll at @schadjoe on X suggested that more than 60% of folks thought the Dolphins needed this deal to be completed before the season more than Tua.

I felt about 60% of the burden was actually on Tua.

Tua surely wanted security for his family, especially after a career affected by multiple injuries.

And yes, Miami wanted a deal, too, but it could always have tagged him in 2025.

But, here we are.

Tua Tagovailoa contract with Miami Dolphins is secured

The Dolphins have their franchise quarterback of the present and the future.

And Tua has some security for his family.

He loves Florida. He loves coach Mike McDaniel. He loves Miami's offense. He loves throwing to Tyreek Hill and Jaylen Waddle.

This really is an ideal fit. Getting an extension done now was right for everyone.

5 reasons why Miami Dolphins, Tua Tagovailoa contract is perfect

1. Contract length. While some quarterbacks have secured five-year extensions, four is a bit safer contract length, considering Tua's unfortunate injury history. And, Tua may be only 31 years old when he gets at least one more bite at the NFL quarterback salaries apple.

2. Annual contract amount. Tua landing at around $53.1 million made perfect sense because it slots just behind Trevor Lawrence ($55 million and overpaid at the moment), Joe Burrow ($55 million and led his team to a Super Bowl), and just ahead of Jared Goff ($53 million and led a team to a Super Bowl) and Justin Herbert ($52.5 million) with whom Tua will always be compared.

3. They needed each other. Tua wouldn't be as good without Mike McDaniel. No, the Dolphins' offense would not be quite as good with some other replacement such as Kirk Cousins or even Dak Prescott. Tua is the right age (26) and is still an ascending player.

4. Guarantees seem fair. We haven't reviewed the actual contract details, but it seemed clear the Dolphins wanted to protect themselves in the event that things go sideways – likely due to a health issue. The reported guarantee of $167 million is quite reasonable. And, according to Spotrac, Tua's average percent of cap at sign is 20.8%, which is 11th among QBs. With the NFL salary cap going up, this is not a contract that should entirely prohibit the Miami Dolphins from maintaining a competitive roster.

5. Everyone can breathe. Tua is an extremely chill individual. Do you really think he wanted to stand on the sideline at practice, holding a football, to make some kind of statement? Absolutely not! Do you think Mike McDaniel wanted to answer repeated questions about whether Tua was practicing and his contract status? Absolutely not! This dissipates a cloud over the organization. Everyone can breathe. For a minute, anyway.

BIG money How does Tua Tagovailoa contract compare with Trevor Lawrence, Joe Burrow, Jalen Hurts?

It's done! Miami Dolphins sign Tua Tagovailoa to long-term contract extension

Joe Schad is a journalist covering the Miami Dolphins and the NFL at The Palm Beach Post. You can reach him at jschad@pbpost.com and follow him on Instagram and on X @schadjoe. Sign up for Joe's free weekly Dolphins Pulse Newsletter. Help support our work by subscribing today.

This article originally appeared on Palm Beach Post: Tua contract with Miami Dolphins is perfect | Schad