Image Source: Jason Owens
Key Takeaways
- The Miami Dolphins appear to be done with quarterback Tua Tagovailoa after a decline in his performance in 2025
- Tagovailoa has expressed openness to a fresh start, saying it would be "dope" to play for another team
- The Dolphins will have a quarterback competition for the starting job next season, but it’s unclear who will be involved
- Tagovailoa’s contract, which includes a $56.4 million salary cap hit next season, may be a hurdle in trading him to another team
- The search for a new general manager is ongoing after the midseason dismissal of Chris Grier
Introduction to the Situation
The Miami Dolphins’ season has come to a close, and it appears that quarterback Tua Tagovailoa’s time with the team may be coming to an end. In a press conference on Monday, Tagovailoa was asked how he would feel about getting a fresh start, and he responded by saying, "That would be dope. I would be good with it." This statement suggests that Tagovailoa is open to leaving the Dolphins and starting anew with another team. As reported by the Miami Herald’s Barry Jackson, Tagovailoa declined to speak further when asked to clarify if he understood if the question was about playing for another team, leaving many to wonder what the future holds for the young quarterback.
Tagovailoa’s Decline in 2025
Tagovailoa’s decline in 2025 was a significant factor in the Dolphins’ decision to bench him for the final three games of the regular season. As head coach Mike McDaniel noted, Tagovailoa’s performance had been struggling, and the team needed to make a change. Tagovailoa’s stats from the 2025 season are telling, with him averaging only 190 passing yards per game, a significant drop from his previous three seasons where he averaged over 260 yards per game. He also threw a career-high 15 interceptions, which was a major concern for the team. As McDaniel said, "We needed to make a change, and we felt that Quinn Ewers was the best option for us at the time." Ewers, a seventh-round rookie, started the final three games of the season, and while he showed promise, it’s unclear if he will be a part of the quarterback competition next season.
McDaniel’s Plans for Next Season
McDaniel has announced that there will be a quarterback competition for the starting job next season, but it’s unclear who will be involved. Tagovailoa’s future with the team is uncertain, and it’s possible that he may not be a part of the competition. As McDaniel said, "We will meet with Tua on Tuesday to discuss his season and his future, and we will go from there." The team’s search for a new general manager is also ongoing, and whoever takes the job will have to navigate the complex situation surrounding Tagovailoa’s contract. With a $56.4 million salary cap hit next season, trading Tagovailoa won’t be easy, and the team will need to find a way to manage his contract if they decide to move on from him.
The Contract Conundrum
Tagovailoa’s contract is a major factor in the team’s decision-making process. The Dolphins signed him to a four-year, $212 million extension in 2024, and he is entering the second year of that deal. As McDaniel noted, "We need to consider all of our options and make the best decision for the team." The team will need to weigh the pros and cons of keeping Tagovailoa versus trading him or releasing him. While Tagovailoa has shown promise in the past, his decline in 2025 has raised concerns about his ability to lead the team to success. The team’s new general manager will have to navigate this complex situation and make a decision that will impact the team’s future.
The Future of the Dolphins
The Dolphins’ future is uncertain, and the team’s decision regarding Tagovailoa will have a significant impact on their trajectory. As McDaniel said, "We need to make the best decision for the team, and we will do what it takes to succeed." The team’s search for a new general manager is ongoing, and whoever takes the job will have to hit the ground running to address the team’s quarterback situation and make the necessary moves to build a winning team. With the quarterback competition looming, the Dolphins will need to make some tough decisions and find the right leader to take the team to the next level. As Tagovailoa himself said, "I would be good with" a fresh start, and it seems that the Dolphins may be ready to move on from their former starter. Only time will tell what the future holds for Tagovailoa and the Dolphins.
https://sports.yahoo.com/nfl/breaking-news/article/dolphins-qb-tua-tagovailoa-when-asked-about-getting-a-fresh-start-that-would-be-dope-014304770.html
