Early within the 2022 offseason, even when the Miami Dolphins had been nonetheless between coaches after firing Brian Flores however earlier than hiring Mike McDaniel, they put the phrase out that they weren't pursuing a high-level quarterback to unseat Tua Tagovailoa.
The Dolphins’ actions since have backed that up.
When Deshaun Watson was cleared criminally amid sexual misconduct and sexual assault allegations, the Dolphins didn’t insert themselves into the frenzy of groups concerned about buying and selling for him. He in the end went from the Houston Texans to the Cleveland Browns. Miami didn’t become involved in commerce talks for Russell Wilson or Matt Ryan, neither, because the veteran signal-callers additionally modified groups.
The Dolphins are additionally unlikely to take a quarterback within the draft that runs from April 28-30, no less than not one that can compete to begin. Their picks within the first two rounds had been shipped to the Kansas Metropolis Chiefs as a part of the bundle for star receiver Tyreek Hill. They're now all the way down to 4 picks within the upcoming draft, a third-rounder, fourth-rounder and two sevenths.
It’s a far cry from the flirting with the concept of buying and selling for Watson that was prevalent all via the 2021 offseason, reaching fever pitches within the closing week of the preseason and eventually season’s commerce deadline.
In the end, Dolphins common supervisor Chris Grier opted to not pull the set off on a deal, shopping for Tagovailoa the second half of the previous season following 5 begins missed early on resulting from accidents to both his ribs or a finger on his throwing hand.
Returning within the second half of a shocking Nov. 11 upset win over the Baltimore Ravens, Tagovailoa reeled off a stretch the place he had a triple-digit quarterback ranking in 4 straight appearances. It, together with Miami’s stout protection, sprung the Dolphins to complete with eight wins of their final 9 video games and one victory shy of a playoff berth. However there have been nonetheless uneven performances, together with one with two interceptions in opposition to the Jets in a win and particularly the dreadful Week 17 loss, 34-3, within the rain and chilly on the Tennessee Titans that eradicated the crew from playoff competition.
It wasn’t sufficient to drag the Dolphins’ brass away from one other season of Tagovailoa, and as a substitute, the group has gone the route of giving Tagovailoa its full assist subsequent season whereas placing him ready to succeed.
The Dolphins went out and bought Hill, who ought to type the NFL’s quickest duo with Jaylen Waddle coming into his second season. They added Cedrick Wilson Jr. in free company, who can play largely within the slot whereas tight finish Mike Gesicki strains up throughout and might go up and make contested catches.
Prized free-agent deal with Terron Armstead will solidify the left finish of the road whereas serving as a run-blocking mauler in McDaniel’s dashing assault that additionally introduced in free agent tailbacks Raheem Mostert and Chase Edmonds.
A quarterback was signed in free company, however one that's coming to Miami — returning house to Miami, actually — to help Tagovailoa in a backup function. Teddy Bridgewater will convey that assist, whereas greater than succesful to fill in if wanted, given his expertise.
“We’re very excited to have Teddy part of the method and hope to win some video games with each these guys working collectively and empowering Tua to be the perfect participant he could be,” McDaniel stated at NFL annual conferences.
After a lot has been mismanaged with Tagovailoa over his first two seasons, he has the whole lot he must excel so long as he stays wholesome. If he can’t make a third-year leap, the Dolphins might simply re-engage themselves within the pursuit for an additional quarterback in 2023.
The Dolphins even have Chris Streveler as a 3rd quarterback. He'll present one other arm in coaching camp, and the crew can probably discover one different quarterback to compete with him for No. 3 duties and the follow squad as soon as the season begins.
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