Could Tua Tagovailoa Be the Raiders’ Next Quarterback? A Hypothetical Trade Worth Watching
The Las Vegas Raiders are heading into the offseason with a big question looming under center. Signs are pointing toward the team parting ways with quarterback Geno Smith, and if that happens, the front office will need to decide whether to draft a new signal-caller, go the veteran route, or try a creative mix of both.
One intriguing possibility? Tua Tagovailoa.
Yes, the same Tua who was benched in Miami and whose future with the Dolphins is anything but certain. According to a recent hypothetical trade scenario, the Raiders could be a landing spot for the former Pro Bowler-and the deal being floated is the kind that could actually make sense for both sides.
The Trade Proposal
The proposed trade would send Tagovailoa and a 2027 second-round pick to Las Vegas in exchange for a 2027 sixth-rounder. On the surface, that’s a lopsided deal. But it’s structured more like a salary dump than a typical quarterback swap.
The Dolphins would be offloading Tagovailoa’s contract-one that includes a potential out after the 2026 season-while the Raiders would be getting not just a quarterback with starting experience but also a valuable draft pick in return. It’s reminiscent of the Brock Osweiler trade from a few years back, when the Browns took on a bloated contract just to acquire a second-rounder.
It’s not flashy, but in a league where cap space and draft capital are currency, it’s the kind of move that can quietly shape a rebuild.
Why Tua Could Make Sense in Vegas
Let’s be clear: Tagovailoa’s time in Miami hasn’t gone as planned. After a promising start to his career-including a Pro Bowl nod and a league-leading passing yardage finish just two seasons ago-things have cooled off. He’s only 27, but his inconsistency and recent benching have thrown his long-term outlook into question.
That said, there’s still upside here.
For a Raiders team that may not be sold on the 2026 quarterback draft class-or simply doesn’t want to rush a rookie into the fire-Tagovailoa could serve as a bridge option with potential to be more. He’s accurate, experienced, and when he’s on, he can move the offense with rhythm and efficiency. If the environment is right, there’s a chance he could regain some of the form that made him one of the league’s most efficient passers not long ago.
And if it doesn’t work? The Raiders could walk away after 2026, no long-term damage done.
The Bigger Picture in Vegas
This isn’t just about quarterback. The Raiders have needs across the board-offensive line, secondary, depth at receiver-and they’ll need every draft pick they can get to plug those holes. Taking on Tua’s deal in exchange for a second-rounder might not solve all their problems, but it could give them flexibility and a short-term answer at the most important position on the field.
Of course, everything here is theoretical. There’s no confirmation that the Dolphins are actively shopping Tagovailoa, and the Raiders haven’t tipped their hand on what direction they plan to go at quarterback. But with Geno Smith likely on the way out and the team in search of a new identity, it’s a scenario worth keeping an eye on.
The Raiders have cap space. They have a roster that’s not quite ready to contend but not far from being competitive with the right moves. And they’re one of the few teams that could afford to take a swing like this.
Whether or not it happens, this is the kind of creative thinking that could define the next phase of Vegas football.