On multiple occasions, Miami Dolphins head coach Mike McDaniel has referred to quarterback Tua Tagovailoa as the perfect quarterback for his offense.
Through injuries and uneven play, McDaniel has remained steadfast in his support for his starting quarterback. He has defended Tagovailoa at every opportunity, working to build confidence in a player who didn’t receive full support from the previous coaching staff.
While it seems unlikely that McDaniel would move on from Tagovailoa, at least one prominent NFL reporter suggests that Miami could draft his replacement in the 2025 NFL Draft.During a segment on the Pat McAfee Show , ESPN reporter Adam Schefter was asked about potential wildcard scenarios for Colorado quarterback Shedeur Sanders, and he mentioned the Miami Dolphins as a possibility.
Schefter explained his reasoning: “Miami has so much money tied up in Tua (but) after this year, there’s a way out of that contract. With the health questions, like maybe? Again, I’m not telling you they’re doing it. We’re talking and imagining. I don’t think it’s likely, but I’m not completely dismissing it.
“Interestingly enough, ESPN’s Dan Orlovsky recently likened the two quarterbacks, saying “Tua (Tagovailoa) is my comp in many ways for Shedeur Sanders.” If the Dolphins were to use their first-round pick on another quarterback, it would undoubtedly send shockwaves through the NFL. Most analysts expect them to focus on bolstering the offensive line, defensive line, or secondary with the No. 13 overall selection.
However, given Tagovailoa’s injury history, the Dolphins must consider their alternatives. If there’s even a chance this is his final season in Miami, it’s better to draft his replacement a year early than a year late.