The Miami Dolphins are an interesting team to watch this season, especially after pulling off one of the most questionable trades in recent memory. While the departure of Jalen Ramsey was expected, the decision to also move on from Jonnu Smith raised eyebrows. In what is shaping up to be a prove-it season, this is not the kind of move head coach Mike McDaniel likely wanted.
The Dolphins may also be losing patience with quarterback Tua Tagovailoa, casting uncertainty over his future in Miami.
“His contract guarantees his pay through 2026. If the Dolphins fall flat and change coaches, the next coach likely will want a fresh start at quarterback. While the cap charges will complicate a split before 2027, every high-end quarterback contract eventually leads to a big cap charge when the relationship ends. The next coach (and the next G.M., if owner Stephen Ross cleans house) may want to rip the Band-Aid off in one motion,” Pro Football Talk’s Mike Florio wrote.
Miami’s apparent loss of confidence in Tagovailoa could be a troubling sign moving forward.
“What is interesting is that Miami may not have the same confidence they had in him two years ago. They could have created $19 million in cap room with a simple restructure, but opted not to do so, citing they didn't need the extra money,” Phin Phanatic’s Brian Miller wrote.
CBS Sports' Cody Benjamin even proposed a potential blockbuster four-team trade that would send Tagovailoa to the New Orleans Saints in exchange for Brock Purdy.
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“Miami, meanwhile, might embrace a more dynamic signal-caller for Mike McDaniel's timing-based offense, while sending Tagovailoa to another former left-handed quarterback in Kellen Moore, whose Saints are sorely inexperienced under center. Even considering Tua's injury history, you can bet veterans like Alvin Kamara, Chris Olave and Brandin Cooks might prefer a proven passer as Moore installs his offense,” Benjamin wrote.
Such a move would give Tagovailoa a fresh start in New Orleans and inject some hope into their quarterback room. For Miami, adding Purdy could be a major upgrade—especially for star receivers like Tyreek Hill and Jaylen Waddle.