Miami Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa. Jay Biggerstaff-USA TODAY Sports

Dolphins HC notes one of Tua Tagovailoa's biggest offseason improvements

By Clark Dalton | Last updated May 28, 2024 3:20 PM ET

Miami Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa returned to OTAs on Tuesday and appeared to throw with more juice.

Dolphins head coach Mike McDaniel revealed Tagovailoa has been working with private coach John Beck, which may explain his increased arm strength.

"I think he, without thinking, has probably generated a little more force on some throws that he's trying to drive," McDaniel told the media. "I think just that connectivity to your game and finding — or trying to un-earth every single inch and iota of professional development, that in and of itself, you're headed in the right direction."

Last season, Tagovailoa's cold-weather struggles became apparent when the Dolphins fell to the Kansas City Chiefs in the fourth-coldest game in NFL history. In a 26-7 wild-card round loss, he completed 20-of-39 passes for one TD, one interception and a paltry 15.3 QBR.

CHIEFS BALL!!! pic.twitter.com/OkuqWeCluW
— Kansas City Chiefs (@Chiefs) January 14, 2024

More arm strength could help Tagovailoa improve his downfield passing in cold weather, which may benefit him in the postseason.

Tagovailoa, 26, is entering the final year of his rookie contract. Spotrac estimates his market value is a four-year deal worth $49.6M annually, fifth in the NFL. The Dolphins probably want to see him win a playoff game before offering him one of the biggest contracts in the league.

To Tagovailoa's credit, he's making several improvements to earn a new deal. Per NFL Media's Cameron Wolfe, he has lost 10 to 15 pounds and now weighs 220 pounds, which should help him regain some mobility.
McDaniel thinks some of the changes are paying dividends and expects more growth from Tagovailoa throughout the offseason.

An absolute masterpiece @Tua ➡️ @D1__JW ➡️ #ProBowlVote
: #NYJvsMIA on @NFLonCBS pic.twitter.com/vN7dxkwFbX
— Miami Dolphins (@MiamiDolphins) December 17, 2023

Last season, Tagovailoa led the league in passing yards (4,624 in 17 games) and made his first Pro Bowl. Following the offseason tweaks, he may vault to the next level.

Clark Dalton

Dalton is a 2022 journalism graduate of the University of Texas at Austin. He gained experience in sports media over the past seven years — from live broadcasting and creating short films to podcasting and producing. In college, he wrote for The Daily Texan. He loves sports and enjoys hiking, kayaking and camping.

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