After two back-to-back years of first-round playoff exits, and with this season being the forty-year anniversary of the Dolphins’ last Superbowl appearance in 1984, expectations had never been higher. This offseason, Tua Tagovailoa, the Dolphins’ quarterback, signed a franchise record $212 million contract, locking him in as the face of the franchise.
After coming out with a win against Jacksonville in a close game, the Dolphins played their AFC East rival the Buffalo Bills. The first half was close, 17-10, a one score game. However, late in the third quarter, Tagovailoa decided to scramble to reach the first down. He cleared it, but not without a heavy hit to his upper body by the Bills’ Damar Hamlin, ultimately collapsing to the ground.
At that moment, the stadium went silent, and Dolphins fans were filled with a sense of uncertainty and deja vu. The fans knew the game was over and our postseason hopes were crushed.
Now, there are only three options that the Dolphins and Tagovailoa can take:
Option 1: Tua returns to the field.
This scenario depends on the strength of the concussion. Tagovailoa plans to meet with many neurological doctors to evaluate his injury and will make an informed decision while he recovers. However, NFL Network has reported that, “No plans to retire. His eyes are ready to return to the football field.” So, there is no indication that he will leave the gridiron.
From the perspective of PJ Clingan ’26, this is the best option. “If Tua does not retire, the Dolphins should keep him because he is dedicated and able. However, he must be fully ready and healthy, with no in between. I think that the best route for the Dolphins is to keep Tua for one or two more seasons and draft a good QB so Tua can be his mentor. Just like Alex Smith and Patrick Mahomes in Kansas City.”
Nevertheless, the team might not start him, citing his record. He has only made the playoffs twice in five years and never won a playoff game. Even if he is healthy, the Dolphins might not want to keep him. His passing stats might be incredible during the regular season, but if that does not translate to postseason performance, he should not be the QB1.
Option 2: Tua retires.
The second scenario could also be likely. Many former players have already called on him to retire, and the organization might push him to end his career due to his record not being excellent. “I think the Dolphins should move on from Tua. The team needs to find a better QB1 and 2 just in case injuries occur. Bryce Young would be an excellent option given his situation in Carolina and determination to succeed,” said Elijah Dimond ’27.
Depending on the remainder of this season, Miami will either elect to draft a quarterback or trade for one. This is solely centered on how many games the Dolphins win this year. If they win many, they should keep the backup quarterback, Skylar Thompson. If they do not, it might make more sense to trade the pick or draft a player. The Dolphins have already signed a backup from the Baltimore Ravens, Tyler Huntley, but they might look around the league for good QB1s, 2s or journeymen that could fill Tua’s shoes. Tagovailoa has already been placed on Injured Reserve (IR) and will be out for at least four weeks. This is not to say he is not talented. He has shown himself to be a great player with great potential. But he just fails to demonstrate his qualities when it matters most.
Option 3: Someone else steps up.
Week 2 had Skylar Thompson be the Dolphins’ lead play caller, taking charge of one of the most intricate offenses in the league. Having come off a long week of practice and preparation, he suited up and got one more chance to prove himself to “dolfans.” However, he did not perform to an elite level.
He was injured late in the loss to the Seahawks and was replaced by the veteran Tim Boyle. Boyle had a promising drive to end the game but was cut a few days later. This left the dolphins with Huntley. He played a few games last year after the Ravens’ QB1 sustained an injury. Huntley has now started two games: a loss to the Tennessee Titans and a win against the New England Patriots. He is showing some promise, but not to Tua’s level. Miami has a favorable schedule, and Huntley will be able to win games with the talent that surrounds him.
Some fans go so far to say that under Huntley’s direction, Miami’s offense has produced more than with Tua. For example, Alvi Silva ’28 opined, “Tua’s performances in last season’s playoffs and this season have disappointed me. We have seen much better yield from Huntley and Boyle than we saw with Tua. Even though Tua had greater knowledge of the scheme and plays, these two have proven their worth to potentially earn the QB1 spot.”
The Dolphins definitely have better seasons ahead, but this year is not totally lost. A favorable schedule is to come and a Tua return is likely. The Dolphins’ postseason hopes might be small, but they have a chance to do the improbable and make the playoffs. With help from a tough schedule for Buffalo, New England not being up to par, and New York sustaining injuries, the Dolphins could win the division. Potentially making a postseason run, however, starts in the QB room, and it all depends on these next few weeks with either Huntley or Thompson, Tua’s decision and recovery, and the team’s offseason changes.
