Adam Schefter Reveals Tua Tagovailoa’s Future with Dolphins
In a surprising turn of events, the Miami Dolphins have benched starting quarterback Tua Tagovailoa in favor of rookie Quinn Ewers. This decision has ignited speculation regarding Tagovailoa’s future with the team.
Future with the Dolphins in Question
As news broke about the benching, fans and analysts alike began to speculate whether this marks the end of Tagovailoa’s career in Miami. Adam Schefter, a prominent NFL insider, weighs in on the situation, suggesting that the Dolphins may be preparing to part ways with their quarterback.
Cap Charges and Trade Possibilities
Tagovailoa carries a hefty cap charge of $99 million, should the Dolphins decide to release him. Schefter emphasized that this financial commitment complicates his future with the team:
- “I think it’s time to start playing the numbers game in Miami,” Schefter stated.
- This suggests that the Dolphins are assessing their options seriously.
Other teams in the NFL have navigated similar situations in the past. For example, the Denver Broncos are still dealing with over $30 million in cap space from acquiring Russell Wilson. Similarly, the New York Jets incurred over $40 million when releasing Aaron Rodgers.
What Lies Ahead for Tagovailoa
Schifter notes that the Dolphins might consider Tagovailoa’s relationship with the team as nearing its end. “You don’t bench him for a rookie without essentially signaling a break,” he pointed out.
The Dolphins may explore options for trading Tagovailoa, especially to teams in need of a transitional quarterback rather than a franchise leader. As many believe, his days as the team’s franchise player seem to be over.
Potential Transactions Post-Season
If the Dolphins move forward with a release, they could opt for a post-June 1st strategy. This would allow them to spread the substantial cap hit over multiple years, softening the financial blow:
- Possible post-June 1st release of Tagovailoa
- Cap charge would be manageable over time
Similarly, Tyreek Hill, another key player, may also be released post-June 1st, saving the Dolphins significant cap space. Hill’s release would cost the team $15.8 million but save an impressive $36 million.
Conclusion
The discussion surrounding Tua Tagovailoa’s future with the Miami Dolphins is heating up. With potential trades and releases on the horizon, fans will be watching closely as the season progresses. It appears that a shift in the Dolphins’ strategy could reshape their roster dramatically.
