NFL
By: Rick
The Miami Dolphins might be heading for a breakup with star quarterback Tua Tagovailoa. While he led the league in passing yards in 2023 with one of the top offenses, the young QB has struggled to maintain that level of play. Now he’ll be sitting on the bench the rest of the season. If the Miami Dolphins make him available, which NFL team could use his services?
Pittsburgh Steelers
The Steelers and Dolphins worked out a trade this offseason for Minkah Fitzpatrick and Jonnu Smith. Could the Dolphins and Steelers keep that pipeline going? While Tua struggles in cold weather games, they’d have until right around late November to get a young QB up to speed. Miami would have to take on a large portion of his salary, but it’s not out of the question.
Minnesota Vikings
JJ McCarthy isn’t exactly what the Vikings expected. He’s not quite a bust yet, but he could use some more time to develop, especially after having a full season off. He might be a little rusty or he might have never made it to 100%. No matter the reason, there’s nothing stopping the Vikings from bringing in an insurance policy to help right the ship, except maybe their defensive coordinator. The Vikings of enough talent for Tua to thrive, and a defense that can overcome his mistakes.
New Orleans Saints
The Saints have been collecting quarterbacks like Thanos collects Infinity Stones after Drew Brees retired. Now the team is still in need and needs to find an able-bodied starter that will buy them some time to find a new franchise QB. If Tua never returns to his best self, he’ll at least perform at a level that’s equal to, if not better than their current roster.
Arizona Cardinals
This could, and should, be a player for player swap for these two teams. It’s rare to happen in the NFL, but both teams need to move on. The Cardinals have invested plenty of time and resources into Kyler Murray, and he’s had multiple coaches take him on. He’s never reached his full potential. Tua for Murray and whatever else they can work should be on the table. It gives the Cardinals a chance to move on without a complete reset, while also allowing Miami the freedom to select accordingly in the draft. Rushed drafts based on desperation and need alone his been the Dolphins M.O. for years.
New York Jets
Trades to division rivals is almost unheard of in today’s NFL. With that being said, desperate times call for desperate measures. If the New York Jets don’t get the player they’re looking for in the draft this year, they could easily make some phone calls. Even if they do, to get a proven starter who can manage games, Tua could be key. He may have the same cold weather struggles as he would with the Steelers but it wouldn’t be a terrible start to the season.
Who’s to say that Tua Tagovailoa’s time as a member of the Miami Dolphins is over? If it is, plenty of teams should have Miami on speed dial.
