Why the Miami Dolphins Should Not Pick Up Tua Tagovailoa's 5th Year Option

Why the Miami Dolphins Should Not Pick Up Tua Tagovailoa&...

By Jason Bolton May 03, 2024 11:49

Tua Tagovailoa's journey with the Miami Dolphins has been a rollercoaster ride. Since being drafted in 2020, Tua has shown glimpses of promise, but his performance has been inconsistent. In his rookie year, Tua displayed potential, but it was evident that he was still adapting to the rigors of the NFL. Fast forward to the 2021 season, and Tua seemed to have found his rhythm, leading the league in passing yards and showing signs of a breakout year.

Breakout Season and Stats

In the 2021 season, Tua's performance was indeed noteworthy. He showcased his potential by leading the league in passing yards, demonstrating his ability to command the offense and make crucial plays when it mattered. His statistics reflected his improvement, instilling hope in the Dolphins' fan base and management.

The Argument Against Signing Tua to His 5th Year Option

Despite Tua's apparent progress, the case against signing him to his 5th-year option is multifaceted and warrants careful examination.

Dependence on Tyreek Hill and Injuries

Tua's breakout year has raised eyebrows due to the significant contribution of Tyreek Hill. While Tua undoubtedly played a pivotal role in the team's success, it's essential to acknowledge Hill's impact. It's argued that Hill, an exceptional receiver, could potentially thrive with any quarterback, casting doubt on the extent to which Tua's success was solely attributable to his own performance.

Unfortunately Tua's career has been filled with injuries including multiple concussions which some say should have led to his retirement from the league. While injuries are one of the worst parts of the game you have to take them in to consideration when signing a player to a long term contract.

Long-Term Financial Implications

Committing to Tua with a big extension and picking up his 5th-year option could have profound financial implications for the Dolphins. Investing heavily in a quarterback who may not have demonstrated consistent elite-level performance could jeopardize the team's future cap space and ability to build a well-rounded roster capable of making a championship run.

Super Bowl Aspirations

The ultimate goal for any NFL team is to compete for a Super Bowl. The question arises whether Tua, despite his potential, is indeed the quarterback who can lead the Dolphins to a championship. The uncertainty surrounding Tua's ability to elevate the team to that level raises concerns about making a substantial long-term commitment to him.

The Dilemma of Sunk Costs

The Dolphins find themselves in a challenging position due to the significant investment they have made in Tua. The team has gone all-in on Tua, and the prospect of pivoting away from him now could be hindered by the financial and emotional investment they have already made in him.

The Future

The decision whether to pick up Tua Tagovailoa's 5th-year option is far from straightforward. While Tua has shown promise and improvement, there are valid concerns about his long-term potential, financial implications, and the team's aspirations for a championship. The Miami Dolphins face a critical juncture in deciding the future of their quarterback position, and the outcome of this decision could have far-reaching implications for the franchise.

As a sports writer, it's crucial to maintain a balanced perspective and acknowledge the complexities involved in such decisions. The saga of Tua Tagovailoa and the Miami Dolphins is a compelling narrative that will continue to unfold, captivating fans and analysts alike as the team navigates the delicate balance between present success and long-term sustainability.