The ongoing narrative surrounding Miami Dolphins General Manager Chris Grier’s approach to player contracts has once again come under scrutiny. It’s a recurring theme where Grier’s penchant for penny-pinching during contract talks has, more often than not, backfired. The burning question now is whether the highly talented quarterback Tua Tagovailoa will fall victim to Grier’s fiscal conservatism.
Reports have emerged that Grier is hesitant to compensate Tagovailoa at a level commensurate with his market value. This stance has prompted Omar Kelly, a well-respected insider, to devise a roster of potential quarterbacks who could step into Tagovailoa’s shoes, should the Dolphins decide to part ways with their star player after the season.
Among the names that Kelly suggests are Kirk Cousins and Dak Prescott, with the latter’s potential move to Miami creating quite the buzz. Yet, the discourse doesn’t end there.
Other quarterbacks tossed into the speculative mix include Justin Fields, Russell Wilson, and Daniel Jones. The idea of any of these three quarterbacks commandeering the Dolphins in place of Tagovailoa is a notion that many fans might find difficult to digest.
As the Dolphins deliberate on whether to extend Tagovailoa’s contract before training camp, Kelly also entertains the notion of Miami courting either of Pittsburgh’s quarterbacks, Russell Wilson or Justin Fields, highlighting that one, if not both, might be on the market by 2025. Another scenario proposed is offering Daniel Jones a lifeline if he finds himself ousted from his starting position with the New York Giants. Despite Jones being under contract for another two seasons, earning $30.5 million next year, his future seems anything but certain.
Despite these options, the quality and talent Tagovailoa brings to the field stand head and shoulders above these alternatives. Prescott, similarly embroiled in contract negotiations with the Cowboys, emerges as the most captivating prospect, given his clause preventing a trade or tagging and the potential for him to hit free agency alongside Tagovailoa.
The most logical course of action would be for Grier to bridge the divide, meet Tagovailoa’s valuation, and secure his future at Miami. The possibility of applying the franchise tag on Tagovailoa exists but comes with its own set of risks, including the potential of a training camp holdout.
The quarterback conundrum in Miami poses a crucial test for Grier’s management philosophy. Investing in Tagovailoa represents not just a financial decision but a pivotal moment in defining the Dolphins’ aspirations and loyalty to their players. Opting for a cheaper alternative could spell more of the same disappointment Dolphins fans have grown all too familiar with.