As the Miami Dolphins kick off their 2024 training camp, the spotlight once again shines brightly on quarterback Tua Tagovailoa. Just a season ago, the Dolphins placed their future in Tua’s hands, but the landscape looks a bit different now. With a challenging 2024 campaign behind him, where Tagovailoa not only missed six games but also ended up watching from the sidelines when the team needed him most in Weeks 17 and 18, questions about his future with the team have emerged.
The buzz around the league suggests that Tagovailoa might be stepping onto the field for the 2025 season with a bit of pressure—the infamous “hot seat” might just have a spot with his name on it. Financially, the Dolphins would face a significant cap hit if they decided to pivot away from their quarterback, whether it be after the 2025 or 2026 seasons. Tua’s contract offers some flexibility with potential outs, but it’s a tricky decision for Miami’s front office.
Bleacher Report’s Maurice Moton raises a significant point, shining a light on Tua’s struggles against teams with winning records. This is a thorn in the side of a Dolphins team eager to leap into the playoffs and stake a claim among the league’s elite.
Add in Tagovailoa’s injury woes, and you’ve got a recipe for concern. Throughout his five seasons in the NFL, staying healthy has been a challenge for Tua, managing to navigate just one full season without injury.
Yet, even in that season, the big wins against top-tier teams seemed elusive.
There’s no denying that if Tagovailoa wants to banish any whispers of doubt, he needs to be on the field regularly and elevate his game, particularly against those heavy-hitting playoff contenders. But this isn’t solely down to Tua.
The Dolphins’ coaching staff, led by Mike McDaniel, has a part to play. McDaniel’s play-calling has come under scrutiny and there’s a call for him to devise a strategy that sets his quarterback up for success.
The chemistry between play-caller and quarterback will be critical in reshaping Tagovailoa’s journey in the upcoming season.
As the Dolphins’ faithful watch eagerly, only time will tell if Tagovailoa can rise to the occasion and redefine his narrative with Miami. The talent is there, and with the right support and a bit of luck on the health front, Tua has every chance to change the conversation.