The 2025 season will not be one that Tua Tagovailoa will want to remember. It ended with him as a backup and without organizational confidence, as well as sowing doubts among a section of the fans who questioned his level. But there is someone who does believe in him, Bobby Slowik, the new offensive coordinator of the Dolphins.
Tagovailoa’s performance dropped drastically. He looked insecure in the pocket and seemed distracted when reading plays, making him an easy victim for defenses to stop his movements. If that wasn’t enough, his limited mobility and lack of arm strength were even more evident.
Tua Tagovailoa gets a reality check from Shannon Sharpe
In addition to the above, there is the issue of injuries, a trauma that weighs on him mentally. The fear of getting injured again has transformed him into a fearful player, without risk and nervous.
Despite this, contrary to what everyone around him thinks about him, Slowik is optimistic about Tua and the likelihood that he will reach the best version of himself. The offensive coordinator values the conduct and behavior he had in his most critical stage, which speaks of a maturity that is required in a locker room.
I know last year was a tough year, no doubt a tough one for him. I think what stood out to me the most was the grace with which he handled the situation. The way he went about his daily routine during that season, even at the end of the year, and the kind of person he was with everyone and his teammates
- 67.7% of his passes (the lowest percentage since 2022)
- 2,660 yards
- 20 touchdowns
- 15 interceptions (a career high)
The decline ended without playoffs. The last three games were covered by Quinn Ewers. Slowik’s supportive stance comes at a time when trade rumors are swirling around Miami’s .
Jeff Hafley thinks differently about Tua Tagovailoa
Unlike Slowik’s positive outlook, Miami head coach Jeff Hafley noted on the Jim Rome Show that the team has “plans in place” for the quarterback position. That planning refers to the possible signing of Malik Willis, a man Hafley trusts completely and who is currently a free agent
With the rumor about the arrival of the quarterback who was recently in Green Bay and Hafley’s doubts about Taigovaloa, the Dolphins are going through a critical stage in their philosophy as an organization, because they have not experienced uncertainty and questioning of their starting quarterback since Tua took over. This is indicative that there are changes contemplated.
Jets could be a possible destination for Tua Tagovailoa
NFL reporter Josina Anderson reported that the New York franchise is monitoring the quarterback’s situation and relationship with Miami to sound out Tua. The Jets want to take advantage because they also have a strong card to try to get his services.
Quarterbacks coach Darrell Bevell was among the candidates to be the New Yorker’s new offensive coordinator. In the end, he was not the one chosen, but his proposal to have Tagovailoa as the starting quarterback was welcomed.
However, parting ways with Tagovailoa would be a financial nightmare for Miami. Ending the relationship with him before June 1 would result in a dead money hit of approximately $99.2 million. If they postpone it until after that date, the financial burden would be spread over two years
With his contract running until 2028 and a guaranteed salary of $54 million for 2026, the Dolphins are at a crossroads that forces them to consider keeping Tua even if he is a backup and does not play.
