Yes, you read that correctly.
According to Mike Garafolo of the NFL Network, the New York Jets are among a number of teams “doing their homework” on Miami Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa.
It’s no secret that the Dolphins are actively shopping Tagovailoa around the NFL, however coy new general manager Jon-Eric Sullivan wants to be to the media. Since landing the job, Sullivan has hinted that he wants to “keep all options on the table” as it relates to the future of the Dolphins at the quarterback position.
However, if the Dolphins want to move off Tagovailoa, they likely will not be able to trade him. Jeff Rowe, a writer for The Athletic, recently reported that there has been “minimal buzz” on Tagovailoa and Kyler Murray around the league, as both quarterbacks are on expensive contracts and out of favor. The latter, of course, was just released by the Arizona Cardinals this past week.
Enter, the Jets.
If the Dolphins were to release Tagovailoa, they would incur the biggest dead cap hit in NFL history, allowing the Jets to sign him for the veteran minimum—$1.3M. For a team in rebuild, this is certainly an enticing proposition for the Jets. Tagovailoa brings a lot of experience, little or no drama, and is of course, undefeated as a starter against the Jets in his NFL career (8-0).
Last season, the Jets had Justin Fields as their starting quarterback. Fields was 2-7 as as starter, but managed to throw seven touchdowns to just one interception. In comparison, Tagovailoa threw for 20 touchdowns and 15 interceptions, and finished with a 6-8 record as a starter.
It remains to be seen if the Jets (or any other team, for that matter) will make a move for Tagovailoa, but one thing is clear—Tagovailoa likely will not be playing football for the Miami Dolphins next season. Whether he’s traded or cut, his future in south Florida is likely over.
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