NFL insider appears to close several possible roads on the Dolphins’ decision around Tua Tagovailoa
Not much wiggle room for interpretation on this one.
Several high-profile members of the Miami Dolphins learned their fate this week. Not among them, at least publicly, is quarterback Tua Tagovailoa.
Everyone has an opinion on the “right” thing to do with Tua. Some want him on the first flight anywhere. Others would like to see a trade consummated by any means possible. Others still would like to see Tagovailoa back in Miami in 2026 on account of his hefty guarantees. And, believe it or not, others still think Tagovailoa should be Miami’s quarterback moving forward. ESPN insider Jeff Darlington knows South Florida sports like few others — he appeared to close several of those roads during a Thursday interview on ‘The Joe Rose Show’.
ESPN’s Jeff Darlington offers a pretty direct summary of how likely it is we see Miami ride it out with Tua
“I don’t think (what is next for Tua) matters to Dolphins fans, I can tell you that. I don’t think he’ll be playing in Miami. Just know: that’s not going to happen.” — ESPN’s Jeff Darlington on what’s next for QB Tua Tagovailoa
When Jeff Darlington speaks, I listen. Going back more than a decade, Darlington has been one of the most reliable and well-informed folks in the media space on Miami’s happenings. The current saga with Tagovailoa is just the latest in a long-line of storylines that has seen Darlington offer some strongly worded intel. And you could tell when listening to Darlington speak to both Joe Rose and Kim Bokamper that he was trying to choose his words very carefully amid what is still an ongoing situation.
Those carefully chosen words still came out quite strong. “Just know: that’s not going to happen” doesn’t leave a lot of room for imagination. And it would presumably signal the closing of several possible avenues that the Dolphins have had on the table on how to go about their business this spring. Darlington’s insight is, as a whole, an excellent peek behind the curtain at Mike McDaniel’s tenure in Miami, where things currently stand with Tagovailoa, and what the future holds for both — as well as the Dolphins organization. If you’ve followed Darlington for any period of time, you’d know that’s not a surprise.
So if “run it back” or “let him compete for QB1” was your preferred spot on the “What to do with Tua” bingo card, it may be time to pick out some new real estate somewhere else before we find out Miami’s plans.
Miami Dolphins News
The Dolphins are reportedly tacking on another coaching assistant after formally announcing their 2026 staff
The Dolphins are reportedly making another last-minute coaching staff addition.
