League executives float surprising replacement for Dolphins QB Tua Tagovailoa

"If you could get a 2 and a 3 for Tua and sign Kirk, I'd want to make sure I felt comfortable about having him for three years from a health standpoint," the exec said. "I do think Tua works much better in a domed stadium where you know half your games are played in pristine conditions."

Tagovailoa's cold-weather struggles are concerning. In a 26-7 wild-card round loss to the Kansas City Chiefs — the fourth-coldest game in NFL history, per the Associated Press — he completed 20-of-39 passes for 199 yards, one TD, one pick and a below-average 15.8 QBR.

Signing Cousins — a four-time Pro Bowler — carries risk. The 35-year-old underwent surgery on an Achilles tendon tear in November.

It's cheaper than extending Tagovailoa, though. The 25-year-old is entering the final year of his contract, and Spotrac estimates his market value is a six-year deal worth $50.4M annually, fifth at his position. Cousins market value is a three-year deal worth $39.6M annually. 

"Your upside with Tua certainly seems limited," another exec said, "So let's say you can trade him. I would be exploring, 'OK, Tua, we can win games with, probably not winning a championship with. Kirk Cousins, we can win games with, probably not winning a championship with.' But our resources are better spent on Cousins plus draft picks than they are on just Tua."

If they moved on from Tagovailoa, the Dolphins would need a younger QB who's a clear upgrade, unlike Cousins. Miami shouldn't make this move, giving the Pro Bowler one more chance. 

Perhaps the uncertainty about his future will fuel him, helping the franchise win its first playoff game since 2000, the longest drought in the league.