Clarity On Significant Tagovailoa, Lawrence, Love, Cousins Questions Come In At Combine

INDIANAPOLIS – Tua Tagovailoa? Trevor Lawrence? Jordan Love? Kirk Cousins?

If there were questions before Monday about the future of these four starting quarterbacks, then we got some clarity on the first day of the Indianapolis combine.

Tagovailoa is Miami's fifth-year quarterback who is under contract for 2024 on his fifth-year option. Except he doesn't want to play under that option. He wants a full-blown contract extension.

Mike McDaniel sets the record straight on claim he stole a woman from a player. (Credit: Getty Images)

Dolphins Want Tua Extension

And, despite speculation among fans whether it's deserved or not, the Dolphins are pointing toward signing Tagovailoa to that extension.

"Absolutely," coach Mike McDaniel said Tuesday. "I'm very encouraged. Both Tua's representation and our organization [are] hard at work. Those timelines are impossible to predict and my main concern this offseason has been communicating what Tua needs from his head coach and offensive coaching staff which is what things we can identify to continue the progression of your game the same way we have since Day 1.

"My belief has been strong from Day 1 in Tua. It's stronger than it was the first day I met him. And that's because of that relationship where I'm focused which is  continuing to provide the coaching so he can continue to evolve his game as he has …"

So Tagovailoa and the Dolphins are not expected to be on a one-year show-me situation.

The issue with Tagovailoa remains where, exactly, the contract extension talks find a resolution. Each of the three quarterbacks drafted in 2020 that have signed extensions has done so by becoming the NFL's highest paid player on an annual average basis.

Jalen Hurts became the league's highest paid at $51 million per year.

Then Justin Herbert became the league's highest paid player at $52.5 million per year.

Then Joe Burrow became the league's highest paid player at $55 million.

Is Tagovailoa going to exceed Burrow's deal? That's the remaining question.

Jordan Love Extension Coming After May 3

That question applies to Jordan Love as well. He was also selected in 2020 and is in the final year of his deal. The Packers have no intention of letting him play on an expiring contract and so a deal will be signed after May 3.

So is that deal going to break the Burrow record? Talks are starting in earnest here at the combine, per one league source, although no tentative agreement is expected here.

But the direction in Green Bay is clear. They're going to build around Love.

"For as good as he played," general manager Brian Gutenkunst said, "there’s so much more in front of him and just excited for him and where he’s going."

Jaguars Fully Trust Trevor Lawrence

The Jaguars had high hopes for Lawrence after he led the team to the playoffs in 2022. That feat didn't repeat in 2023.

But he also remains the face of the franchise and there is no doubt coach Doug Pederson continues to believe in Lawrence. He is also getting a contract extension this offseason.

"We do have the right quarterback," coach Doug Pederson said. "I’m excited for the future with Trevor, he’s excited based on the conversations we’ve had since the season. 

"I don’t get into the contract stuff, I leave that for [general manager Trent Baalke] and the agents and stuff. I just know that our guy is the right guy, he’s got the right demeanor, he’s got the right leadership. 

"It’s our job as coaches now to make sure he takes that next step. This will be another big offseason for him and his development and growth. By no means is he where he wants to be or where we want him to be, but really looking forward to working another year with Trevor." 

So what's missing? What does Lawrence need to be better?

Lawrence Has Areas That Need Help

"I just think continuing to understand our offense, get better with the scheme," Pederson said. "Really, still put more of an impact to his voice on our offense. He’s the one out there executing and calling the plays, so I want him to speak up and really take ownership in that with us.

"The situational part of football too, just understanding game situations, managing the game in a certain way at certain times throughout the course of the game. Those are all areas that we can continue as a staff to assist him and help him get to where he wants to be."

Kirk Cousins Headed To Free Agency

Kirk Cousins is another quarterback with an uncertain future. The Vikings and his representatives had talks after the season, and it was clear the team and the player didn't fully share the same vision on a new contract.

So the sides decided to have free agency be the deciding factor. Cousins will go into free agency and see if he finds an offer he prefers to staying in the Twin Cities. 

And if not, the door may still be open for his return.

"Kirk Cousins knows how I feel about him; I’ve held no secrets there," Vikings coach Kevin O'Connell said. " He knows how the Minnesota Vikings feel about him. I believe Kirk wants to be a Viking. And we’re going to work to try to make that the outcome.

"I think anytime you go into situations like this, it is a negotiation, you’re trying to come to an agreement that really works for both sides, as we continue to not only build our football team for 2024, but we’re trying to do some things to help us sustain for the future, as well. 

"I feel like Kirk is smart, and as intelligent as he is, my communication is always strong with him – weekly dialogue – and I feel like we’re heading toward a good place with Kirk…"