Buying or Selling Dolphins' Top Offseason Rumors, Performances Entering Training Camp
The Miami Dolphins have one very important set of contract negotiations hanging over them as they enter training camp.
Tua Tagovailoa is one of the next quarterbacks in line to receive a mega contract, and while the situation should not affect his play, it is something the Dolphins have to deal with sooner rather than later.
Miami's more immediate focus should be to get enough healthy bodies into the defensive front seven.
Shaq Barrett's surprise retirement earlier this week led to the Dolphins signing Emmanuel Ogbah.
Other players were brought in on visits and more signings could happen since Bradley Chubb, Cameron Goode and Jaelan Phillips were all placed on the PUP list.
Tua Tagovailoa Contract Discussions
ESPN's Adam Schefter provided some context on Miami's contract negotiations with Tua Tagovailoa earlier this week on The Pat McAfee Show.
"The Dolphins have been very open that Tua is their guy but the question is what's the number," Schefter said. "The questions about the guaranteed money is what makes this deal interesting."
Tagovailoa is next in line to receive a massive contract extension. He has a chance to eclipse the five-year, $275 million deal Trevor Lawrence received from the Jacksonville Jaguars this offseason.
Lawrence's new contract reset the market that was previously reset by Joe Burrow, Justin Herbert and Lamar Jackson, all of whom signed contract worth $260 million or more.
The Dolphins have their guy in Tagovailoa and it would be silly if they let him go in any capactiy.
Tagovailoa's demands are understandable with whatever number he gives the Dolphins, and given how the quarterback market shaped up, a deal probably should get done regardless of the money involved.
Yannick Ngakoue Workout
Miami worked out Yannick Ngakoue earlier this week, per Miami Herald's Barry Jackson.
The Dolphins signed Emmanuel Ogbah as the immediate replacement for Shaq Barrett, but they may not stop at that signing.
The Dolphins' front seven situation looks dire, at least on paper, to start training camp with Bradley Chubb, Jaelan Phillips and Cameron Goode all on the PUP list.
All three players should return at some point of training camp, but the Dolphins have to be careful with how they manage Chubb and Phillips in their returns from season-ending leg injuries.
They may not be at 100 percent to start the season and it may make sense to bring in another veteran pass-rusher, like Ngakoue, to shore up the defensive front.
Miami's problem, though, may be that another team swoops in and signs Ngakoue to fill a more immediate need.
Ngakoue would be a great additional defensive weapon to have, but it the timing may not work out for both parties, especially if there is a better option elsewhere for the veteran pass-rusher.
Chop Robinson
Chop Robinson will have a ton of the spotlight focused on him at training camp.
The first-round pick out of Penn State turned in a solid set of OTAs and he will play a big role in training camp as Chubb and Phillips work back to 100 percent.
Robinson's performance will be vital to Miami's defensive success in the first few weeks of the regular season, so a strong preseason is important for him.
Robinson is excellent at rushing the passer, but he needs some work his run-stopping performances.
An improved set of run-defending skills would make Robinson a more complete product and could help Miami stay away from making any more veteran free-agent signings.
Robinson should make an impact right away in the pass rush, and if he excels in defending the run, you could buy into some Defensive Rookie of the Year stock.