When Tua Tagovailoa signed his record-breaking $212 million extension last year, it was a celebration — we had our franchise quarterback for years to come.
But less than a year later, the mood has changed.
Injuries. Inconsistency. And now whispers of an exit.
The Dolphins aren’t just talking about winning — they’re talking about rebuilding. And in the middle of that conversation is Tua, once the face of the franchise, now facing uncertainty about whether he’ll be under center in South Beach.
Injury Concerns Loom Large
There’s no getting around it: Tua’s health is the biggest question mark.
Multiple concussions over the past few years have raised red flags—not just among fans but within the organization itself. He missed significant time during the 2024 season after a major head injury early in the year and lost valuable reps and momentum.
And while he started 11 games, he was back, the damage was done.
The front office has been hesitant to restructure his deal despite the cap flexibility it would provide. That says a lot. They want to see more consistency on the field and off—before committing long term.
A Season of Ups and Downs
From a performance standpoint, Tua’s 2024 season was far from inspiring.
He led the Dolphins to a 6-5 record in the games he started, but the team finished 8-9 overall and missed the playoffs for the first time since 2021. His numbers weren’t bad — solid efficiency, decent touchdown totals — but what stood out were the times he wasn’t there.
When the pressure was on, he struggled. Key absences and shaky decision making in crunch time had many wondering if he can truly be the leader this team needs long term.
For a team looking to build something sustainable, those concerns matter.
Rebuild or Reload? The Dolphins Are Rebuilding
Off the field, the writing is on the wall.
Veterans like Raheem Mostert and Kendall Fuller have been moved. The roster is being reshaped. And most notably, the Dolphins drafted a young quarterback out of Texas. That’s a sign of a change in direction.
That doesn’t mean Tua is gone tomorrow. But it does mean the Dolphins are preparing for life after him, whether that’s trading him, benching him, or not building the entire offense around him going forward.
What Comes Next for Tua and the Dolphins?
As the 2025 season approaches, we’ll be watching Tua.
Can he stay healthy? Can he perform when it matters most? And most importantly, can he be the leader for this team’s long-term vision?
For now, we don’t know.
We do know Miami is starting to plan for a future that doesn’t include their once franchise quarterback. And for Tua, that’s hitting fast.
Final Thought: The Year of Truth
This isn’t just another off season for Tua Tagovailoa — it’s the most important one of his career.
If he wants to be the starter in Miami, he has to prove he can stay upright, stay sharp, and lead a team through a full season.
Otherwise, the Dolphins will move on.
And if that happens, South Beach will be saying goodbye to the quarterback they thought would bring them a championship.