Jaylen Waddle, Tyreek Hill campaign for Tua Tagovailoa’s contract extension

Tyreek Hill and Jaylen Waddle were asked about Tua Tagovailoa’s possible contract extension on Monday..

Money was on the mind at the Miami Dolphins’ mandatory minicamp. Jaylen Waddle recently signed a three-year extension, Tyreek Hill would like a new contract, and franchise quarterback Tua Tagovailoa hopes to strike a deal before the preseason.

While Tagovailoa seemed confident that contract discussions were headed in the right direction, Miami’s dynamic one-two wide receiver punch also shared thoughts on a possible extension for their quarterback.

“Tua is my guy,” Waddle said. “I’ve been saying that for a long time. Without Tua, I don’t think I would’ve got the extension I got.

“So everybody is rooting for him. He’s our guy. Make sense, let’s get it done.”

Waddle landed his extension after catching 251 passes for 3,385 yards and 18 touchdowns throughout his first three seasons. Tagovailoa and coach Mike McDaniel’s offense allowed the former first-round pick to run wild with an average of 18 yards per catch in 2022.

“Tua should’ve been paid,” Hill added. “I’ve been saying that this all offseason. I know we have a great front office and they are going to get it done.

“A lot of people are comparing it to the Jared Goff situation and stuff like that. But I feel like Tua is supposed to be up there with some of them guys and passed some of them guys, because just understanding his story and just the progression of how he’s getting better each year and how he’s carrying this offense, it’s crazy. “

The Detroit Lions made Goff the highest-paid player in franchise history with a four-year extension with $170 million guaranteed. Cincinnati Bengals’ Joe Burrow leads all quarterbacks with an average annual salary of $55 million. Goff is second with an average of $53 million per season.

Tagovailoa led the NFL with 4.624 passing yards while throwing a career-high 29 touchdowns last season. It was also the first time in his professional career that he played all 17 games — and the franchise’s playoff game.

“He’s going to continue to get better,” Hill said. “I feel like when you get a new contract, they are not paying you for what you did. It’s almost like an investment of what you’re going to do in the future. He’s continually getting better.

“He’s gradually getting better each and every year. Last year was Pro Bowl, this year a playoff win and much more. Tua should’ve been paid.”