Evaluating the Potential Tua Trade Partners

While the idea of the Miami Dolphins moving on from quarterback Tua Tagovailoa this offseason might not be an accepted fact by all, what should be indisputable is the fact that if that were to happen, trading him would be much more ideal than releasing him.

That's been indicated in recent media reports, both national and local, as the team's preference and, really, why wouldn't it be?

While they very well, if not likely, have to pay off some of Tua's salary to entice a team coming off a quarterback with durability concerns coming off a disappointing and troubling season, it still would be preferable to releasing him and carry a cap number of either $67 million or $99 million (the first is with a post-June designation) for him not to be on the roster anymore.

The big question, of course, remains which team might be willing to trade for Tua, whose resume does include leading the NFL in passer rating in 2022, in passing yards in 2023 and in completion percentage in 2024 but is lacking in big performances against quality opponents or late in the season.

The Dolphins' quest to move Tagovailoa if that's what they choose to do — and they remain noncommittal beyond saying they want a quarterback competition — will be helped by the fact there shouldn't be that many front-line quarterbacks available this offseason.

The list of impending free agents includes Malik Willis, Daniel Jones, Aaron Rodgers, Russell Wilson, Marcus Mariota, Joe Flacco, Jimmy Garoppolo and Gardner Minshew, among others.

Among those who could be traded or released include, besides Tagovailoa, Kyler Murray and Kirk Cousins.

But then came a report Sunday morning that won't help the Dolphins, that of former Las Vegas Raiders and New Orleans Saints starter Derek Carr possibility being interested in making a comeback after being out of the NFL last season.

So what teams stand out as potential trade partners for the Dolphins?

The factors involved likely a team looking for a starter or high-end backup and a team that plays in a dome or in a warm-weather city because Tagovailoa's arm strength doesn't make him an ideal fit for a team like, say, the New York Jets. We wouldn't necessarily eliminate that idea, but just say it's not as good a fit as others.

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