Could Tua Tagovailoa Be a Fit for the Raiders? Here's What We Know So Far
The Las Vegas Raiders are heading into another offseason with a familiar question looming over the franchise: What’s the plan at quarterback?
Geno Smith was brought in with hopes of bringing some much-needed stability under center. And to his credit, he’s delivered veteran poise and leadership.
But as the season winds down, so do the certainties. Smith's long-term fit in Las Vegas is far from locked in, and that’s opened the door-at least conceptually-for other options.
One of the more intriguing names quietly floating around? Tua Tagovailoa.
Now, before we dive into any hypothetical trade packages or jersey swaps, let’s be clear: This isn’t a developing story. There are no active trade talks, no front office leaks suggesting a move is imminent. But in a league where quarterback movement can change the trajectory of a franchise overnight, it’s worth asking the question: If Miami reconsiders its direction, could the Raiders be a potential landing spot for Tua?
Why Tua? Why Now?
From a football perspective, Tua brings a skill set that the Raiders have lacked in recent years-namely, quick decision-making, accuracy, and the ability to operate efficiently within a structured offense. That’s not a knock on Geno Smith, who’s been solid in stretches. But the reality is, at 34 years old, Smith isn’t necessarily aligned with the Raiders’ broader roster timeline, especially if the franchise is thinking long-term.
The idea of Tua in silver and black hinges on three things: fit, timing, and flexibility. Not a full-court press.
Not a front-office coup. Just the kind of exploratory thinking that smart teams do when evaluating all possible avenues to upgrade at the game’s most important position.
What Changed in Miami?
The Dolphins have made a significant shift-benching Tua in favor of rookie Quinn Ewers, who’s now set to start against the Bengals. That move alone doesn’t spell the end of Tua’s time in Miami, but it does raise eyebrows. When a team turns to a young quarterback late in the season, especially one with no prior starts, it often signals a willingness to see what the future might hold beyond the current starter.
This doesn’t mean the Dolphins are shopping Tua. But it does mean other teams, like the Raiders, are watching closely.
Quarterback availability in the NFL is often about timing as much as talent. And if Miami decides to pivot, Vegas could be among the teams ready to pounce-or at least pick up the phone.
Where Do the Raiders Stand?
As of now, this is more of a “what if” than a **“what’s next.” ** There have been no reported discussions between the Raiders and Dolphins, and no indication that Las Vegas is actively pursuing Tagovailoa.
But with Geno Smith’s future uncertain, the Raiders are doing their due diligence. That’s what smart front offices do-they prepare for every scenario, even the ones that seem unlikely today but could become very real tomorrow.
If Las Vegas does decide to explore a new direction at quarterback, Tua would be one of the more intriguing options. He’s still young, he’s shown he can be highly efficient when protected and schemed well, and he offers a different kind of upside than what the Raiders currently have.
So, What’s the Bottom Line?
Right now, this is nothing more than offseason speculation. Tua Tagovailoa remains under contract in Miami.
The Raiders have not made any moves to suggest they’re in the market for a new quarterback. But in a league where quarterback situations can shift overnight, this is a storyline worth keeping an eye on-especially if the Dolphins continue down the Ewers path and the Raiders decide Geno Smith isn’t their guy beyond this season.
In short: Tua-to-Vegas isn’t happening yet. But it’s not off the table either. And in the NFL, that’s all it takes for a conversation to start.