Tua possibly a roadblock in deal for QB Watson
Tagovailoa could be a roadblock in deal for QB Watson
Could Tua Tagovailoa be an obstacle in a potential trade for Deshaun Watson?
It’s a possibility, regarding any deal this offseason that could involve the quarterbacks from the Miami Dolphins and Houston Texans.
Tagovailoa, Miami’s No. 5 pick in the NFL draft a year ago, is viewed as a “deal-breaker” and not an adequate replacement for Watson with the Texans, the Houston Chronicle reported Thursday, citing league sources.
Tagovailoa did not exactly light it up during his nine starts as a rookie, while Watson is arguably entering his prime as one of the top-5 quarterbacks in the NFL after four seasons.
Dolphins general manager Chris Grier said Tagovailoa would be Miami’s starting quarterback after last season, and coach Brian Flores reiterated his feelings about developing players like Tagovailoa during the team’s extensive rebuild.
But those sentiments came before Watson became upset with Houston’s hiring processes of new general manager Nick Caserio and the Texans’ next head coach.
Talk of a potential Watson trade with many suitors will likely dominate the NFL offseason, which includes the Senior Bowl game next week where Flores and Dolphins assistants will coach.
Watson may have played his final snap for the Texans as trade rumors have become rampant in recent weeks since Watson’s grievances with the team have become public.
Watson reportedly is a fan of the culture Flores and Grier have built with the Dolphins, while also having a preference to play in Florida where there is no state tax.
Watson also has a no trade clause, giving him somewhat of a final say in the process, stemming from his four-year, $156 million contract that includes $110.7 million guaranteed, which he signed last September.
The Dolphins would likely have to muster up a trade package that could include Tagovailoa and/ or several future draft picks, including at least two
first-round picks.
But if the Texans do not want Tagovailoa in return, the Dolphins may be faced to look elsewhere to trade him if they are able to acquire Watson.
Nearly half of the NFL could be in the market for a new quarterback this offseason.
Some teams may seek to replace an older quarterback like the Atlanta Falcons, New Orleans Saints, Indianapolis Colts, Pittsburgh Steelers and Detroit Lions.
Others may be looking to upgrade like the Los Angeles Rams, Las Vegas Raiders, San Francisco 49ers, Carolina Panthers, Chicago Bears, New York Giants and Washington Football Team.
The Dolphins also may not receive a first-round pick in return for Tagovailoa. After all, Miami sent a second- and a fifth-round pick to the Arizona Cardinals one year after quarterback Josh Rosen was the No. 10 pick in the 2018 NFL draft.
Tagovailoa’s play may not inspire great trade value as well. His yardsper-attempt average (6.3) and overall quarterback rating (52.6) indicate more of his rookie struggles than his 64.1 completion percentage, 11 touchdowns and five interceptions with a 6-3 record.
But Tagovailoa’s upside and potential are evident. He produced those numbers behind a developing offensive line and a relatively thin group of skilled receivers, tight ends and running backs as the Dolphins fell short of a playoff berth en route to a surprising 10-6 season.
The Dolphins could stand pat and use their draft capital, which includes four picks in the Top 50, to build around Tagovailoa.
But Flores, Grier and the Dolphins organization cannot afford to be outbid and lose out on a player of Watson’s caliber, especially to a rival team like the New York Jets, who could also offer Houston a compelling offer.