The quarterback carousel might be spinning again in Miami.
While the New England Patriots are expected to stay the course under center this offseason, their AFC East rivals in South Florida could be heading in a very different direction. After benching Tua Tagovailoa on December 17, the Dolphins appear to be seriously evaluating their future at the quarterback position - and that future may not include Tua.
The decision to pull Tagovailoa late in the season wasn’t just about one bad performance. It was the culmination of a year that started with promise but unraveled fast.
After opening the season 1-6, head coach Mike McDaniel managed to stabilize things for a stretch - but the wheels came off again in Week 15, when Miami laid a dud on national television against the Steelers. That loss, and specifically Tagovailoa’s struggles in it, seemed to be the tipping point.
McDaniel’s decision to bench his starter felt less like a wake-up call and more like a signal of what's to come.
Now, with the offseason approaching, the Dolphins could be eyeing a blockbuster move - and Arizona’s Kyler Murray might be on their radar.
Murray, now in his seventh year in the league, was limited to just five games this season due to a foot injury. But when healthy, he’s one of the most dynamic quarterbacks in the game - a dual-threat weapon with a rare blend of arm talent and athleticism. His situation in Arizona has been murky at best, and it’s no secret that both he and the Cardinals could be open to a fresh start.
That’s where the intrigue builds. Miami, with its offensive weapons and a head coach known for creative play design, could be a fascinating landing spot for Murray.
And if the Dolphins do decide to move on from Tagovailoa - especially if McDaniel remains in charge - the idea of a quarterback swap or a separate deal sending Murray to Miami and Tua elsewhere becomes more than just speculation. It becomes a real possibility.
Both quarterbacks may be nearing the end of their respective runs with their current teams. And both could benefit from a change of scenery. Whether that leads to a direct trade or a pair of moves that reshuffle the quarterback landscape, the Dolphins’ situation is one to watch closely this offseason.
One thing’s clear: Miami isn’t just evaluating its quarterback. It’s evaluating the direction of its entire offense. And if Kyler Murray is part of that next chapter, the Dolphins could be betting big on upside - and rewriting their identity in the process.