MIAMI GARDENS — Miami Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa was searching for the right word to describe how he's feeling about ongoing contract extension talks.

Tua thought and thought and finally just offered up a wide, toothy smile.

Yes, Tua said Tuesday, he still believes a contract will get done.

Yes, it is fair to say he's feeling "antsy," a suggestion he agreed with.

"I want to get something done," Tua said.

"The market is the market," Tua said.

"We're trying to move that thing into the right direction so we can both be happy," Tua said.

Tua Tagovailoa contract should be in the $50 million plus range

Tua has not attended all the voluntary portions of spring and summer camp.

Tua participated in the mandatory mini-camp practice on Tuesday, though he did not participate in the 11-on-11 drills.

He did not directly explain if these things are contract-related, but it seems obvious they are.

Coach Mike McDaniel said he's going to focus on making the most of the reps that are happening while they are happening and from whoever it is happening for.

Tua Tagovailoa skipping 11-on-11 work for now

On Tuesday, Tua was sharp in 7-on-7 participation.

Tua's looks extremely fit and strong as he approaches his fifth NFL season. He declined again to say how many pounds he's lost.

But he was quite open about the pending contract.

"I think there's been a lot of progress at this point," Tua said of the contract. "From where we started, there has been a lot of progress. Now, you can ask the other question, 'Then why aren't we seeing, you know, an agreement?' Oh, that's the tough part about it. That's why it's a business."

Tua's teammates, Tyreek Hill and Jaylen Waddle, both expressed their desire to see a Tua contract get done.

"Tua should have been paid," Tyreek said.

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 Tagovailoa opens up about Miami Dolphins contract extension talks