Mike McDaniel expects Tua Tagovailoa for Dolphins offseason program; Beckham offer made

ORLANDO — The Dolphins have been the victims of holdouts in recent years. And “hold-ins,” which is where a player reports to the training facility but doesn’t do much.

Mike McDaniel isn’t expecting either to be the case with quarterback Tua Tagovailoa.

McDaniel, speaking with reporters at the NFL’s annual meeting Monday morning, acknowledged that the organization continues working toward a long-term extension with Tagovailoa. General manager Chris Grier has said those talks might continue into training camp. Tagovailoa is scheduled to play on the team's fifth-year option in 2024.

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That raised the question of whether Tagovailoa might skip the voluntary offseason program to make a point or even mandatory minicamp. In recent years, cornerback Xavien Howard staged a holdout and defensive tackle Christian Wilkins a hold-in.

If either happens with Tagovailoa, it would surprise McDaniel.

“I do expect Tua to be in OTAs only because of my working relationship with Tua,” McDaniel said. “And for two years I’ve watched him gain some unbelievable residuals towards the season in that progress. It’s part of the reason Tua is who he is, because he’s always learning, never stayed the same and always working on his craft.

"The one thing that he likes to do now in his life, besides be a kick-ass dad to Ace and Mazey, is play football with his teammates. So that's what I expect. I don't put really too much thought beyond that. I understand the business, but also understand my job with Tua is to make sure that his football is continuing to evolve and the best days are in front of them, which are both of our goals.”

Since McDaniel arrived, Tagovailoa has enjoyed the two best seasons of his career. He passed for 3,548 yards in 2022, then led the NFL with 4,624 yards last season. He also threw for a career-high 29 touchdowns.

Mike McDaniel to continue calling plays

Assuming Tagovailoa is running the offense this spring and summer, the voice he’ll hear in his helmet will continue to be McDaniel’s.

McDaniel considered whether it’s best for him to remain the Dolphins’ offensive play-caller. And considering the Dolphins finished as the league’s top offense, McDaniel decided the answer to the question is yes, it does.

“I thought about it long and hard,” McDaniel said. “ … For now, in the spring, I’m going to call plays and I plan on doing it in the fall. But we’ll always adjust if necessary.”

Dolphins’ offer to Odell Beckham Jr. remains on table

The Dolphins hosted receiver Odell Beckham Jr. last week. They remain in the market for a third receiver to play alongside Tyreek Hill and Jaylen Waddle. Beckham might be the best option available to them.

McDaniel sounded hopeful.

“We did make him and offer and business takes time, especially with players such as Odell, who’s had a phenomenal career, still has really good football in front of them and has options,” McDaniel said.

McDaniel described the talks as “ongoing,” adding, “We’ll see where they go.”

McDaniel: Wilkins, Hunt parting on good terms

McDaniel recently had to say goodbye to Wilkins and guard Rob Hunt.

Wilkins is joining the Raiders and Hunt the Panthers via free agency. They both received contracts that the Dolphins couldn’t match because of the salary cap.

Taking the business side of it out of the equation, McDaniel described the departures on a personal level.

“With Christian and with Rob, it wasn't like it was easy for them to leave,” McDaniel said. “The relationships that they were leaving, the emotion that they had in the building, on a day that's celebratory for most — I think that's what I want to stay connected to. It's relationships above all else and transparency.

“And sometimes when business doesn't work out, that doesn't mean relationships have to be fractured.”

Dolphins reporter Hal Habib can be reached at hhabib@pbpost.com. Follow him on social media @gunnerhal. Click here to subscribe.

This article originally appeared on Palm Beach Post: Mike McDaniel expects Tua Tagovailoa for Dolphins OTAs; Beckham offer made