GatorFin73
Super Donator
I personally think the way negotiations seem to be going is a positive thing. The club isn't just rolling out the next slightly higher contract but is negotiating hard which likely will result in a somewhat team friendly contract, however one defines that. It's true that we need Tua this year and next at minimum with a real chance to go deep into the playoffs and compete for a title given a strong roster on paper and it's true there are no other viable options at this point. If/when we need to start over that will be with a draft pick and you usually need a top pick for 50/50 odds even with a top pick so that takes a while to set up and get in position for typically.
It's also true though that signing Tua now with a big contract and guaranteed money/multiple years shifts the injury risk from the player to the club and for that reason and the generational wealth that comes with it for Tua, he needs the Dolphins. Classic negotiation where both sides need each other for their optimal outcome but both have certain leverage points to utilize in the negotiation. The fact they need each other and and are really having to work at this negotiation leads me to believe we will eventually see that somewhat team friendly contract get done and almost all will be happy with it at that point as we'll have our QB settled for the foreseeable future with a manageable contract and can just start focusing on football in what promises to be a pretty exciting year if nothing else.
It's also true though that signing Tua now with a big contract and guaranteed money/multiple years shifts the injury risk from the player to the club and for that reason and the generational wealth that comes with it for Tua, he needs the Dolphins. Classic negotiation where both sides need each other for their optimal outcome but both have certain leverage points to utilize in the negotiation. The fact they need each other and and are really having to work at this negotiation leads me to believe we will eventually see that somewhat team friendly contract get done and almost all will be happy with it at that point as we'll have our QB settled for the foreseeable future with a manageable contract and can just start focusing on football in what promises to be a pretty exciting year if nothing else.