The Miami Dolphins’ $212.4 million investment in Tua Tagovailoa hasn't quite paid off as expected, and now the team seems more open to exploring new options at quarterback. The buzz around a potential move gained traction when CBS Sports’ John Breech highlighted four possible destinations for Tagovailoa, with the Minnesota Vikings leading the pack.
The Vikings are facing their own quarterback conundrum after their gamble on J.J. McCarthy didn't pan out as hoped. Meanwhile, Miami is dealing with salary-cap challenges and might find it appealing to offload Tagovailoa's hefty contract if the right trade partner comes along.
Breech’s argument is clear: Tagovailoa offers more experience and polish than McCarthy, and he’d be joining a Vikings team loaded with offensive talent like Justin Jefferson, Jordan Addison, and T.J. Hockenson. Plus, there's a familiar face in Minnesota-Frank Smith, Tagovailoa’s former offensive coordinator in Miami, is now part of the Vikings' coaching staff.
It wasn’t long ago that Miami's bet on Tagovailoa seemed spot-on. In 2023, he led the NFL with 4,624 passing yards, becoming the first Dolphins QB since Dan Marino to top the league in that category. He also set personal bests with 29 touchdown passes, 388 completions, and a 69.3% completion rate, securing a lucrative four-year extension.
But the momentum has shifted. Last season, Tagovailoa's performance dipped significantly, with just 2,660 passing yards, 20 touchdowns, and a troubling 15 interceptions, as Miami stumbled to a 7-10 finish. Whether it’s due to regression, health issues, or offensive struggles, the production hasn’t matched the paychecks.
Reports suggest the Dolphins are considering trading Tagovailoa or restructuring his deal to avoid a burdensome dead-cap hit. With a $99.2 million dead-cap figure, releasing him isn’t practical, making a trade the most viable option.
Given Tagovailoa’s recent struggles and the financial implications, coupled with Minnesota's quarterback uncertainty, the Vikings emerge as a logical trade destination.