For years, Tua Tagovailoa has been one of the biggest subjects of debate among NFL fans.
He's had some solid numbers since Mike McDaniel took the reins of the Miami Dolphins, but his physical limitations, multiple concussions, and the team's unimpressive playoff record have raised doubts about whether he's the player they need.
That's why Jim Ayello of The Athletic believes there's a chance that this could be the end of the line for him in South Florida:
"There’s a world where this is Tagovailoa’s final season in Miami. To be clear, the odds of the Dolphins moving on after this season are remote (it’s far more likely after 2026), but it’s maybe not as crazy as you think," Ayello wrote.
Ayello argued that the Dolphins are facing some financial constraints, so if their pricey roster doesn't lead to a winning season, they could look to offload Tagovailoa's big salary and hit the drawing board again in the 2026 NFL Draft:
"Imagine if the up-against-the-cap Dolphins struggle to a five- or six-win 2025 season. Ownership decides it’s time for a hard reset, and the new GM and coach don’t see Tagovailoa, with his concussion history and limitations as a pocket passer, as a franchise QB. They decide to draft a QB and look to trade Tagovailoa to a QB-needy team," he added.
Cutting Tagovalioa after this season would lead to a $79 million dead-cap hit, which is something the Dolphins might not be willing to absorb.
Miami Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa (1).
Miami Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa (1).
© Thomas Shea-Imagn Images
But given his long history of injuries, questionable decision-making in the pocket, and the team's failure to move on in the postseason despite having one of the most stacked offenses in the AFC, it's safe to wonder whether they will continue to roll with him.
Mike McDaniel might be coaching for his job in 2025, and whoever comes next might not be as high on Tua as the former San Francisco 49ers' offensive guru.