The Miami Dolphins are facing a difficult choice regarding Tua Tagovailoa, as cutting him would trigger an unprecedented $99 million dead salary cap hit. Trading him, despite limited demand, appears to be the more viable option. The central question now is which teams might take interest in making a Tua Tagovailoa trade suitors move.
Seven franchises have emerged as the most plausible contenders for Tagovailoa, each with varying degrees of urgency and strategic reason to pursue the quarterback. Below is a ranking of these teams based on how seriously they might consider Tagovailoa as a future solution under center.
Cautious Interest from the New Orleans Saints
The New Orleans Saints find themselves in a position where Tyler Shough’s rookie season sparked hope, but uncertainty remains. They are in need of a reliable quarterback, and while Tagovailoa may not be the perfect fit, he represents an upgrade over Shough’s current showing. In the event Shough develops into a competent starter, Tagovailoa could serve as a valuable backup. Given the questions surrounding Shough’s long-term viability, the Saints have motivation to explore a deal involving Tagovailoa, as it could offer stability or a safety net moving forward.
New York Jets Seek Immediate Quarterback Help
The New York Jets’ quarterback situation took a turn when first-round pick Dante Moore returned to college, leaving them with limited young options. The Jets are now compelled to look at free agency, and trading for Tagovailoa, though not ideal, might be their only realistic choice. Success with Tagovailoa could buy the Jets additional time in their pursuit of postseason relevance; failure would leave them back at square one with no better alternatives.
Las Vegas Raiders Consider Backup Insurance for Rookie Starter
While not an obvious fit, the Las Vegas Raiders’ need to nurture quarterback prospect Fernando Mendoza could make Tagovailoa a valuable insurance policy. If Mendoza struggles initially, having Tagovailoa as a veteren presence could ease the transition. It is unlikely the Raiders are actively pursuing Tagovailoa, but if Klint Kubiak, their coach, envisions a dual-quarterback approach, pairing a rookie and veteran might mitigate some risks early in the season.
Tennessee Titans Eye Veteran Depth at Quarterback
The Tennessee Titans face greater challenges elsewhere on offense, and trading for a quarterback is not currently a priority. However, adding Tagovailoa as a backup option could prove valuable if starter Cam Ward were to be sidelined. Though acquiring Tagovailoa requires no trade necessity, having him available could be a strategic fallback that protects the Titans from a quarterback crisis during the season.
Indianapolis Colts Could Find Mutual Benefit in Tagovailoa
The Indianapolis Colts, known for their aggressive deadline moves in the past year, find themselves quarterback-needy once again. Rather than re-signing Daniel Jones and compromising cap space, bringing in Tagovailoa could be a cost-efficient way to address their quarterback vacancy. While the trade is not guaranteed, the Colts’ and Tagovailoa’s needs align: he requires a fresh start, and Indianapolis needs quarterback stability without overspending.
Minnesota Vikings Might Consider Tagovailoa Over Existing Quarterbacks
The Vikings’ quarterback room has struggled, especially after J.J. McCarthy failed to solidify the role. Tagovailoa may not be a substantial upgrade over McCarthy, but considering prior interest the Vikings showed for quarterbacks from the 2020 NFL Draft, Tagovailoa represents a potentially shrewder option. This trade could allow Minnesota to improve their quarterback situation without relying on unproven talent.
Los Angeles Rams Look Ahead to Life After Stafford
The Los Angeles Rams face an impending quarterback transition as Matthew Stafford’s retirement looms. Trading for Tagovailoa now could give the team a low-cost, developmental backup who can acclimate to Sean McVay’s system without immediate pressure to perform. This approach would protect the Rams’ future and possibly rejuvenate Tagovailoa’s career by providing him time to grow in a supportive environment.
Each of these franchises displays varying motivations for pursuing a Tua Tagovailoa trade. Their interest ranges from urgent quarterback need to strategic depth building. Given the Dolphins’ difficult financial situation, a trade, even for limited compensation, might be the best path forward for both Tagovailoa and the teams willing to take the risk. How these potential deals develop could significantly shape the quarterback landscape leading into the NFL offseason and reshape the futures of several franchises.
