Quarterback Tua Tagovailoa thinks the Miami Dolphins belong in the AFC's elite.

"We're definitely legit contenders," Tagovailoa said Tuesday, according to Joe Schad of the Palm Beach Post. "There's no doubt with the guys we have on the defensive side of the ball. With the guys we have on the offensive side of the ball. And now with this being the first time as an offense, we get to come back understanding the plays already kind of molded into the offense a little more. I think it can get very, very scary."

The Dolphins posted a 9-8 record last season, including an 8-5 campaign with Tagovailoa under center. The 25-year-old landed in the concussion protocol multiple times and missed several games, including Miami's wild-card loss to the Buffalo Bills. The postseason defeat extended the Dolphins' playoff winless streak, which dates back to the 2000 season.

In 2023, Miami added to both sides of the ball. Its defense, in particular, saw big changes - the club acquired cornerback Jalen Ramsey and hired Vic Fangio as its defensive coordinator. The team ranked 24th in points allowed last year.