Report: Brady will not be pursued by Dolphins

It's uncertain if Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Tom Brady will return to the NFL in 2023 for his 24th season. And if he does, it's uncertain who he would play for, as he is scheduled to be an unrestricted free agent.

But if Brady does decide to play another year, the Dolphins are not expected to pursue him in the offseason, ESPN reported.

The latest report comes as Brady has once again been linked to Miami as a possible destination. But general manager Chris Grier and head coach Mike McDaniel have publicly backed Tua Tagovailoa as the team's 2023 starter, despite a pair of diagnosed concussions, the second of which forced him to miss the team's final three games.

A month after Tagovailoa was diagnosed with his second concussion on Dec. 26, he remains in the league's protocol.

Though he was voted a first alternate to the Pro Bowl Games, Tagovailoa will not participate in this weekend's event. After a breakout year that was marred by his head injuries, the Dolphins will have until May 1 to exercise his fifth-year option, which would fully guarantee his 2024 salary at a projected $22 million. SOURCE: FANGIO TO BE DOLPHINS DC >> The Dolphins have reached a deal with former Denver Broncos coach Vic Fangio to become their defensive coordinator, a person familiar with the hire told The Associated Press.

Fangio, 64, who had been one of the most sought-after defensive coordinator candidates this offseason, was Denver's head coach from 2019-21, going 19-30.

The Dolphins fired defensive coordinator Josh Boyer after three seasons with the team.

Miami finished the season ranked 18th in total defense and 27th in passing defense as the team dealt with various injuries.

CHARGERS' HERBERT HAS SURGERY >> Los Angeles Chargers quarterback Justin Herbert had surgery on the labrum in his left (nonthrowing) shoulder on Wednesday.

However he is expected to be ready for the offseason program in the spring.