Tua Tagovailoa’s position as Miami’s quarterback is in doubt (Getty Images) The Miami Dolphins are heading into the 2025 NFL season with immense pressure on their shoulders—and no one is feeling that more than quarterback Tua Tagovailoa. Despite signing a massive four-year, $212 million extension in the offseason, questions are swirling about whether he’ll still be the team’s franchise quarterback if the Dolphins fall short of a playoff appearance.
NFL insiders suggest Tua Tagovailoa’s time in Miami could be running out
Veteran Dolphins reporter Omar Kelly recently dropped a bombshell when he said Tua’s time in Miami might be “ticking.” While a trade isn’t imminent, the scenario could be very real if the team disappoints this year.The quarterback market is always active, especially when it involves a proven talent like Tagovailoa. “If they don’t want him we’ll gladly take him off their hands,” one anonymous NFL coach reportedly said. It’s not hard to see why other teams would line up for a shot at acquiring him.Tua has consistently ranked among the most efficient passers in the league, finishing top-five in passing yards per game over the past three seasons. In 2023, he led the Dolphins to an impressive 11-6 record during his only fully healthy season. But for all his statistical prowess, his durability remains a red flag.
Injury history could drive down trade value despite on-field success
Tua’s career has been marred by concussions, missing nine games due to head injuries and 14 total since entering the league. After a scary concussion cost him four games in 2024, the Dolphins are reportedly re-evaluating how much they can rely on him long-term. If he remains healthy through 2025, and Miami fails to meet postseason expectations, a trade next offseason could become a serious consideration.A reasonable asking price? According to Kelly, “The Dolphins likely wouldn’t get more for the five-year starting quarterback than the 2025 second-round pick (selection No. 52) the Seattle Seahawks got from the Pittsburgh Steelers for Pro Bowl receiver D.K. Metcalf.” That may seem like a steep drop for a recent MVP contender, but health matters in this league.With Zach Wilson now on a one-year, $6 million deal, the Dolphins have a backup plan. At just 25, Wilson is a former top-five pick who spent last season under Sean Payton’s guidance in Denver. There’s cautious optimism he could follow the Baker Mayfield path to redemption.Also Read: Donald Trump calls Mason Rudolph ‘handsome’ and says the Steelers quarterback is ‘gonna be the guy’If Wilson impresses during preseason—or if Tua falters or gets hurt—Miami may pivot. And if the Dolphins end up with a top-10 draft pick, don’t be surprised if they start building around a new quarterback in 2026.