The Miami Dolphins’ playoff hopes officially flatlined after a 28-15 loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers on Monday night. And with three games left in a season that’s gone off the rails, head coach Mike McDaniel isn’t ruling anything out - including a potential quarterback change. When asked Tuesday whether Zach Wilson or rookie Quinn Ewers might get a look down the stretch, McDaniel didn’t mince words: “Everything is on the table.”
That’s a telling statement. And it adds fuel to a conversation that’s been simmering for weeks - the future of Tua Tagovailoa in Miami.
The writing’s on the wall: Tua’s time as the Dolphins’ starting quarterback may be nearing its end. If that’s the case, it’s fair to wonder what a trade market might look like for the former first-round pick.
Let’s break down a few teams that could be logical landing spots if Miami decides to move on.
New York Jets: An AFC East Swap?
Intra-division trades for quarterbacks are rare, but not unprecedented. The Eagles once sent Donovan McNabb to Washington after six Pro Bowl appearances.
That’s a high bar, and to be clear, Tua hasn’t reached it. But that might make a deal within the AFC East more palatable for Miami.
For the Jets, who’ve cycled through Justin Fields, Tyrod Taylor, and Brady Cook this season, Tua could bring some needed stability. He’s not a deep-ball artist, but he’s accurate in the short and intermediate game and thrives on timing-based routes - traits that could work well in an offense designed by Tanner Engstrand.
Think of the Jared Goff renaissance in Detroit. The Jets might look at Tua and see a similar reclamation opportunity.
And from a pure talent standpoint, Tua would likely be an upgrade over what New York’s been working with this year.
Minnesota Vikings: A Contingency Plan Behind J.J. McCarthy?
J.J. McCarthy has shown flashes lately, stringing together a couple of solid outings. But the rookie learning curve is real, and if he falters down the stretch, the Vikings might look to add a more experienced option to the room.
Enter Tua. Kevin O’Connell’s offense is built around pre-snap motion, rhythm throws, and simplifying reads - a system tailor-made for a quarterback who excels at getting the ball out quickly and accurately.
Tua wouldn’t be asked to carry the offense on his back, just to operate efficiently within the structure. That’s a fit that makes sense on paper, especially if McCarthy’s development hits a bump.
Indianapolis Colts: A Shane Steichen Project?
The Colts made a bold move by trading away their next two first-round picks to land cornerback Sauce Gardner. Then they watched Daniel Jones go down with an Achilles injury. Jones is on a one-year deal, and while he’s had some moments under Shane Steichen, his future in Indy is anything but secure.
That opens the door for a potential pivot - and Tua could be an intriguing option. Steichen has shown he can adapt his offense to fit different quarterback styles, and he’s coaxed solid play out of Jones this season.
Could he do the same with Tua, who brings a more refined passing skill set but less mobility? It’s a gamble, but one that might appeal to a Colts team that’s already gone all-in on the defensive side of the ball.
Arizona Cardinals: A QB-for-QB Swap?
It looks like Kyler Murray has taken his final snap in Arizona. The Cardinals are clearly heading toward a major reset, and both sides could benefit from a clean break. That opens the door for a potential quarterback-for-quarterback trade - Tua for Kyler.
It’s a rare kind of deal, but not out of the question. Both quarterbacks have shown flashes of brilliance and stretches of inconsistency.
Both could use a fresh start. And with new head coaches likely coming in 2026 for both franchises, this could be the kind of bold move that reshapes two rosters at once.
What’s Next for Tua and the Dolphins?
The Dolphins’ season may be spiraling, but the bigger story is what happens next. Tua Tagovailoa has had his moments in Miami - stretches of efficient, accurate play in an offense built around speed and timing. But the ceiling has always been in question, and now the floor feels unstable too.
With McDaniel keeping all options open and the team out of playoff contention, the final three games could serve as a tryout - not just for Zach Wilson or Quinn Ewers, but for the future direction of the franchise. Whether that includes Tua is becoming less and less certain. But if Miami does decide to move on, there will be teams willing to pick up the phone.