As the Miami Dolphins prepare for their upcoming training camp, the spotlight is squarely on quarterback Tua Tagovailoa and his contract situation. With no new agreement in place as of yet, there’s speculation about whether Tagovailoa will fully participate or limit his involvement until a deal is reached. Should the Dolphins kick off the season without securing Tagovailoa with a new contract, General Manager Chris Grier will be facing several less than ideal options to address the quarterback’s future with the team.
**Option 1: Franchise Tag**
The most straightforward, yet complex, option for Miami would be to apply the franchise tag to Tagovailoa next season. This would guarantee him a salary of nearly $45 million, which is less than what an extension might cost.
However, this is only a temporary fix that could lead to further complications down the line. While it might keep Tagovailoa for another year, it doesn’t provide long-term certainty and could end up costing the Dolphins more in the long run if they decide to extend his contract later.
**Option 2: NFL Draft**
Looking to the future, the 2025 NFL Draft could be a point of recourse, but it comes with its own set of uncertainties. While Carson Beck from Georgia appears to be a strong potential pick, it’s unlikely that the Dolphins will have a draft position high enough to select him.
Another possibility could be Shedeur Sanders, though that choice might bring additional off-field dynamics given his notable father. Overall, relying on the draft could be more of a gamble than a guaranteed solution.
**Option 3: Free Agency**
Free agency doesn’t offer much respite for the Dolphins either. Dak Prescott is a potential free agent, but his high market value and the financial implications of signing him might deter Miami.
Other available quarterbacks like Sam Darnold, Zach Wilson, Trey Lance, and Drew Lock present a risk given their inconsistent performances. Even if Tagovailoa himself enters free agency, securing a suitable and financially viable replacement remains an uphill battle.
**Option 4: Trade**
Trading for a quarterback is another route, but defining a fair trade value is exceptionally challenging. Kirk Cousins may become available if the Atlanta Falcons decide to move forward with the quarterback they selected in the first round of the last draft. Yet, Cousins’ appeal may not excite the Dolphins as they ponder long-term implications and team fit.
In conclusion, the Dolphins and Grier are in a crucial predicament with limited ideal outcomes available. The decisions made in the coming months could very well define the team’s future, making this an offseason full of strategic challenges and uncertainties for Miami’s front office.