Dolphins Trade Tua? Falcons Eye Cousins, Mac Jones?

Dolphins Eyeing Major Overhaul: Is Tua Tagovailoa on the Way Out?

The NFL offseason is in full swing, and the Miami Dolphins appear to be on the precipice of a significant organizational reset. With the combine underway, speculation is rampant about the future of quarterback Tua Tagovailoa. The consensus among many is that it’s time for both the Dolphins and Tagovailoa to move on, potentially paving the way for a new era in Miami under new leadership.

A Tale of Two Seasons and a Difficult Decision

Dan Orlowski stated the case clearly: “The Dolphins should trade Tua.” He pointed to Tagovailoa’s two-year stretch where he performed at a top-five level, but also highlighted that this is the second time the organization has seemingly moved on from him. “I think that it’s best for the Dolphins with where they are organizationally moving forward to start a new. I also think it’s best for the player to have a new start somewhere else and have the opportunity to once again prove that he’s a starting quality quarterback in the NFL.”

Peter Schrager, reporting from Indianapolis, confirmed the expectation of a “complete reset and a complete rebuild” in Miami. He noted that the release of Tyreek Hill was an early indicator, and that Tagovailoa could be next. “Of course, they would rather trade him. If they can get anything for Tua Tagovailoa, I think they would listen to those offers.” However, Schrager also acknowledged the possibility of absorbing the financial hit, drawing a parallel to the Denver Broncos’ situation with Russell Wilson. The Dolphins are set to bring in a new general manager, Mike McDaniel’s former colleague John Eric Sullivan from Green Bay, and a new head coach in Jeff Hafley, who will be operating the offense, not Mike McDaniel, Tagovailoa’s former biggest champion.

The Market for Tua: A Question of Health and Fit

The critical question then becomes: what is the market for Tua Tagovailoa? Harry Douglas admitted, “I don’t think it’ll be a big market,” but identified the Arizona Cardinals as a potential landing spot. Douglas suggested that a system like Mike LaFleur’s, a Shanahan-McVey type offense, could be beneficial for Tagovailoa, especially with young playmakers in Arizona. However, he stressed that Tagovailoa’s “health is going to hinder a lot of people jumping on board.”

Douglas elaborated on the potential path for Tagovailoa, suggesting he might need to emulate players like Sam Darnold or Daniel Jones, taking a couple of years to develop behind the scenes on a new team. “These guys took a couple two or three years back seats, maybe didn’t play a ton, but waited for the opportunity or were ready for an opportunity to present themselves on a good football team where you just have to be that point guard type of facilitator and then you rehabilitate your career.”

Schrager added that while there isn’t much buzz around Tagovailoa, his past accomplishments, including two playoff appearances and a Pro Bowl selection, shouldn’t be overlooked. The primary concern remains his long-term health, particularly the history of concussions. “So, I don’t know if Tua’s number is going to be what he might have expected going into a free agency period. But, he has a real opportunity here to rewrite his story, rewrite his narrative.” He mused about potential “flyer” options like the Minnesota Vikings or the Cardinals.

Atlanta Falcons: A Quarterback Conundrum

The conversation then shifted to the Atlanta Falcons and their persistent quarterback issues.

Mac Jones or a New Path?

Orlowski proposed a bold move: “Call up their old offensive coordinator and see if they can trade for Mac Jones.” He believes Jones would be a perfect fit for the Falcons’ current offensive scheme and coaching staff, potentially bringing back the version of Jones seen during his successful stretch with the San Francisco 49ers. “I think the starting point for Atlanta is can we acquire Mac Jones?”

The Falcons’ situation is described as “sad” given the talent they possess, including Drake London and what many consider the league’s best running back, Bijan Robinson, along with the franchise-tagged Kyle Pitts. The article highlights the luxury of having a dominant running game when a quarterback can play under center and distribute the ball effectively, setting up play-action opportunities. The Falcons have made significant financial commitments to quarterbacks in recent years, including a large deal for Kirk Cousins and a top-10 pick on another signal-caller, yet still find themselves searching for an answer.

Michael Penix Jr. and the Long Road Ahead

Schrager addressed the Falcons’ internal quarterback situation, noting the absurdity of their predicament. He recalled Michael Penix Jr.’s impressive performance at the combine two years prior, only for the team to then sign Kirk Cousins to a massive deal. “The truth of the matter is this: Matt Ryan comes in. He’s going to be a huge voice here. So will Ian Cunningham the general manager. And of course Kevin Stefanski… And they’re going to give Penix a chance.”

However, the major caveat for Penix Jr. is his injury history, including multiple knee surgeries in college and an ACL tear. “So, when is he going to be healthy enough to play? That’s the biggest question and play to a level that gives him a chance?” The article also points out that Penix Jr. has had moments of brilliance and moments that leave “a lot to be desired.” The hope is that he can become more comfortable with playing under center, a skill that has benefited other young quarterbacks like Drake Maye and Caleb Williams.

Kirk Cousins: A Familiar Face in a New Place?

The discussion concluded with the future of veteran quarterback Kirk Cousins. Schrager believes Cousins is likely on the move, ruling out the New York Jets due to past history. He suggests a return to the Minnesota Vikings as a possibility, though the financial aspect might be prohibitive for the Falcons. “At that number, he doesn’t make sense for the Atlanta Falcons. But Kevin Stefanski and Kirk Cousins do have a relationship. If he does the circuit and visits a couple teams and decides, hey, at a lower number, maybe I would like to come back to Atlanta. I think it’s a pretty interesting option as well.”

“The expectation is that Miami is about to undergo a complete reset and a complete rebuild.” – Peter Schrager

“I think that it’s best for the Dolphins with where they are organizationally moving forward to start a new. I also think it’s best for the player to have a new start somewhere else.” – Dan Orlowski

“I don’t think it’ll be a big market, but I’m looking at the Arizona Cardinals…” – Harry Douglas

Source: Should the Dolphins trade Tua Tagovailoa? | Get Up YouTube Exclusive (YouTube)