Dolphins reportedly make decision on Tua Tagovailoa amid rumors

It sounds like the Miami Dolphins are ready to run it back with Tua Tagovailoa as their starting quarterback for another year. 

Shortly after the Baltimore Ravens used the non-exclusive franchise tag on star signal-caller Lamar Jackson, ESPN NFL insider Jeff Darlington reported that the Dolphins "will not be pursuing" Jackson "or any other starting QBs this offseason." 

Darlington added that Dolphins head coach Mike McDaniel "fully believes Tua is the perfect fit for his system." 

McDaniel generated headlines during the NFL combine when he told reporters the Dolphins haven't made a decision about the fifth-year option attached to Tagovailoa's rookie contract. 

While Tagovailoa produced his best pro season, to date, under the first-year coach, the often-injured 25-year-old also suffered at least two concussions during the campaign and missed Miami's final three games including the playoffs while in the concussion protocol. 

Dolphins general manager Chris Grier admitted last week he has some concerns about Tagovailoa's durability. Grier also suggested such worries may not prevent him from signing the 2020 first-round draft pick to an extension this spring or summer. 

Even before the Ravens used their franchise tag on Jackson, the Dolphins were repeatedly linked in stories and rumors with the Most Valuable Player for the 2019 regular season who grew up not too far from Miami. 

Ahead of this past weekend, CBS NFL insider Josina Anderson said that the Dolphins could explore "potentially moving in a different direction from" Tagovailoa this offseason. 

NFL Network's Rich Eisen then generated headlines when he said Monday that he heard during the combine that the Dolphins could be a landing spot for none other than recently re-retired quarterback Tom Brady, in part due to questions related to Tagovailoa's health. 

In-the-know individuals continue to offer reasons for why they think Brady could play in 2023. Assuming Darlington is correct, it seems the seven-time Super Bowl champion won't be an option for McDaniel and Grier unless something changes regarding Tagovailoa's status sooner than later.