Tua Tagovailoa
Getty
Miami Dolphins QB Tua Tagovailoa
The Indianapolis Colts had a good showing in their season opener against the Miami Dolphins, winning the game 33-8.
Quarterback Daniel Jones put up a good performance in his debut for Indianapolis, throwing for 272 yards, a touchdown pass and 2 rushing scores.
All eyes were on Jones before the start of the season, as he had to fight for the starting job with third-year quarterback Anthony Richardson.
With Jones’ performance, it can be assumed that he will have a steady role with the organization and won’t be sidelined later in the season, allowing him to continue putting up similar performances as he did against the Colts.
FanSided’s Christopher Kline created a list of five Miami Dolphins stars who could be traded to “contenders” as the Dolphins may have a collapse, as Kline worded it.
Kline believes that the Colts are a landing spot for an offensive player in a trade.
Tua Tagovailoa To The Colts?
Miami Dolphins QB Tua Tagovailoa not happy with joint practice with Detroit Lions.
GettyMiami Dolphins QB Tua Tagovailoa
The Indianapolis Colts had a quarterback battle before head coach Shane Steichen decided to put Daniel Jones behind the center.
Christopher Kline believes the Colts can add Miami Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa to their quarterback room, mainly not trusting Jones’ abilities later down the season.
“If there’s any team that should at least toss around the idea of a Tagovailoa trade, it’s probably the Colts. Daniel Jones will come down to earth quickly after their Week 1 honeymoon against a distressed Dolphins team,” Kline wrote. “The Colts aren’t that far removed from competing for a Wild Card spot in the AFC… If the Colts can insulate Tagovailoa in the pocket, the floor on this team probably raises — at least a little bit.”
“I’m not going to sit here and tell you the Colts should trade for Tagovailoa. But if the ex-Pro Bowl quarterback does end up on the trade block, there isn’t a better intersection of schematic fit and opportunity than Indianapolis. If it’s going to work anywhere, it’s there.”
Steichen has mentioned that the Colts won’t have a “short leash” with Jones, so the chances of Indianapolis adding another quarterback to the QB room are quite low (unless something drastic happens).
Taking Tua’s Salary
GettyTua Tagovailoa of the Miami Dolphins
One of the main reasons why Kline said a trade for Tua Tagovailoa is possible is due to his contract.
Tua signed a four-year, $212.4 million contract with the Dolphins, a higher AAV than the entire Colts QB room this season.
The Indianapolis Colts would have to trade away players (maybe even a quarterback) to make the Colts happen.
Indy currently has around $5 million in cap space this season and will have about $54 million in the 2026-27 season, according to Over The Cap.
“[Tua is] a sunk cost and one of the most overrated quarterbacks in the NFL. He thrived in an optimal setup for years, but crank up the pressure even a little bit, and Tagovailoa typically cracks,” Kline wrote. “His track record in cold-weather situations is not ideal either.”