NFL
By: Ryan Cooley
On Wednesday, rumors began to swirl about a possible three-team trade involving Deshaun Watson and Tua Tagovailoa. The reports initially said Washington was in the mix to acquire 2nd-year quarterback Tua Tagovailo. Like most rumors, Washington fans quickly began to take sides. Some believed it would be a smart move, while others didn’t see the point.
Here is why Washington should and shouldn’t make a move for the former 5th overall pick.
Why They Should Trade for Tua
Washington Has No Long-Term Quarterback
It is no surprise that Washington has struggled to find a long-term solution at the quarterback position. Part of the problem is the front office continually going after veteran quarterbacks that are well past their primes. Grossman, McNabb, Smith, Keenum, and Fitzpatrick are some examples.
Tua has limited playing experience starting only 12 NFL games. The product he has put on the field has been lackluster, to say the least. However, he was selected 5th overall for a reason. His accuracy at Alabama was unquestioned. Joe Marino from The Draft Network was impressed with Tua’s ability to navigate the pocket and stay calm under pressure. “Tua generally reads coverages with comfort and understands coverage rotation while showcasing the ability to hit throws with anticipation.”
If they had an answer at quarterback, you wouldn’t be reading this article. Heinicke has made it clear he is not the solution, meaning they are right back on the same boat of looking for a quarterback in the offseason. Why not take a chance on a former 5th overall from two drafts ago?
Weak Draft Class
Drafting a quarterback is the ideal way to find a long-term solution. 2020 was a very strong class, yet Washington opted to sit at 19 and select a developmental linebacker over trading up for a quarterback. While the college season is only about halfway through, on the surface, this appears to be a weak quarterback class. Unlike past drafts, there is no clear #1 quarterback, which is worrisome. Corral and Willis seem to be the top two, but both have legitimate concerns.
If Washington does not feel comfortable spending a top 15 pick on a quarterback, trading for Tua would make a lot of sense. They have to make some move at the position in the offseason, and it is unlikely Aaron Rodgers would want to come to Washington.
Keep Taking Swings at Quarterbacks
You cannot win in this league without a quarterback. It doesn’t matter how good of a roster you have; you won’t get far without the right signal-caller. For that reason, a team without a quarterback should continue to take swings at one, even if it takes a few years and multiple attempts.
No one is saying that if Tua comes to Washington, all of their problems will be erased. However, sitting back and doing nothing won’t get them any closer to ending this quarterback plague.
Why Washington Shouldn’t Trade for Tua
Low Ceiling
The Dolphins quickly saw Tua’s low ceiling after his first season. Most rookie quarterbacks struggle in their first year but still have flashes that remind teams why they were drafted. Mac Jones has easily been the best rookie quarterback, Zach Wilson played at a high level against the Titans, Lawrence looked great against Cincinnati, and Fields has made some impressive throws. Tua, on the other hand, has never had a moment that reminded everyone why he was drafted top five.
Tua’s Price Tag
It is unknown what the price would be to trade for Tua. It would get even more complicated if it were a three-team trade. The only reason the Dolphins would move on from Tua is if Watson was coming to Miami. Tua’s price could vary from a 3rd or 4th round pick to possibly a 1st or 2nd rounder.
A first-round pick would be a hefty price for a team that needs help at multiple positions.
Injury Issues
Tua’s durability has been his biggest concern since college. He had multiple ankle injuries, a knee injury, a broken finger, and a dislocated hip at Alabama. In the NFL, he has already been placed on IR before even playing a full season.
It is difficult for a quarterback to be a long-term answer if they are missing 3-4 games minimum every season.
Conclusion
Overall, it is unlikely this move will happen. Deshaun Watson trade rumors come and go weekly, so there is no reason to believe this rumor is any different. If this trade does come to fruition and Tua is available, I believe Washington would be wise to make a move. As previously mentioned, team’s without a quarterback need to take swings until they land a long-term solution. Seeing what Tua can do is much better than continuing to play backup quarterbacks year after year
[pickup_prop id=”13842″]
