Former NFL linebacker Manti Te’o dismissed rumors that Miami Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa would skip voluntary spring workouts to get a new contract.
Reports claim the former Alabama standout missed some of the team’s OTAs last week — before showing up to practice on Monday.
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Tagovailoa, 26, is in negotiations to extend his contract with the Dolphins.
His current contract expires after the 2024 season.
The former No. The NFL 5 overall pick is expected to reach a deal with Miami and become one of the highest-paid quarterbacks in the league.
Some have linked Tagovailoa’s alleged absence from OTA to ongoing contract negotiations.
But in an appearance on Thursday’s Up & Adams, Te’o – who is close friends with Tua – insisted that wasn’t the case.
“Even if Tua wanted to jump, I know [his dad] I wouldn’t allow it,” the former San Diego Chargers and New Orleans Saints linebacker told Kay Adams, 38.
“It’s just one of those things that everyone will talk about [about]they will create a narrative around different situations.
“But I, knowing Tua, he wouldn’t do that being the leader and having the kind of values he has.
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“Understanding what his presence means in the locker room in the long term.
“It’s not just about him getting a contract. If you ask Tua, is getting that contract extension a big part of this whole process?
“But Tua is a team player – he has always been someone who wanted to win at the highest level.
“He’s thinking about the Super Bowl, he wants to win that trophy.
“And for him to be on campus and in the facility and for people to see him, especially with the new guys coming to town, is big for him.
“And that’s his main thing. All other things will take care of themselves.”
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Dolphins general manager Chris Grier emphasized Miami’s long-term commitment to Tagovailoa in January.
“[We] never talk about money or anything,” Grier said.
“Just good conversations about where he is and the relationship with [head coach] Mike [McDaniel] and the team here and everything he did.
“So the objective is to have him here for a long time playing at a high level.
“That’s always the goal and we’ll continue to communicate with him throughout the offseason here.”
Tagovailoa led all quarterbacks in passing yards (4,624) during the 2023 NFL regular season.
He finished the campaign with 29 touchdowns and 14 interceptions.
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