Miami Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa. Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

Tua Tagovailoa: 'I don't not feel wanted' by Dolphins

By Zac Wassink | Last updated 10/27/21

Miami Dolphins owner Stephen Ross wisely ducked questions about his alleged interest in wantaway Houston Texans quarterback Deshaun Watson on Tuesday, but the rumor that isn't disappearing ahead of next Tuesday's NFL trade deadline continues to generate headlines.

According to the latest reports, the Texans and Miami Dolphins have maybe agreed to the terms of a potential transaction that hasn't yet been completed because Watson is still facing 22 lawsuits alleging acts of sexual assault and misconduct and 10 criminal complaints, and there's no guarantee he won't ultimately be made ineligible to play via the commissioner's exempt list or a suspension amid ongoing police and NFL investigations.

Somewhat lost in the shuffle of conversations about the matter is current Miami starting quarterback Tua Tagovailoa, who recently returned to action from fractured ribs but couldn't prevent the Dolphins from falling to 1-6 during what's becoming a lost season.

Per Josh Alper of Pro Football Talk, Tagovailoa was directly asked Wednesday if he feels the Dolphins want somebody else as their QB1 moving forward.

"I don’t not feel wanted," Tagovailoa said.

Meanwhile, Miami head coach Brian Flores reiterated previous comments and said that Tagovailoa is his quarterback:

#Dolphins HC Brian Flores once again reiterated today that "Tua is our quarterback."

"I've said that multiple times. I've said that to him. I try to be honest and transparent with out players and that's what I've done."
— Ari Meirov (@MySportsUpdate) October 27, 2021

NFL insider Josina Anderson, who has repeatedly seemed unconvinced a deal will get done for Watson by next Tuesday's deadline, tweeted Wednesday the Dolphins have not yet met Houston's reported asking price of three first-round draft picks and three "additional assets" for the star signal-caller:

While #Texans QB Deshaun Watson has only waived his no-trade clause, thus far, to the #Dolphins (which is true, as 1st reported by @RapSheet )...I'm also told Miami's offer still does not meet the threshold to get a deal done. The price will not bend for MIA, or any other team!
— IG: JosinaAnderson (@JosinaAnderson) October 27, 2021

To be clear: There's no guarantee Deshaun Watson gets traded before the deadline of Nov 2nd of course..

Yes, the no-trade clause has only been waived for MIA, so far....

Other teams have made calls.
Can't really flush them out until waiver is expanded.

Again this is chess. https://t.co/5WrbKSeE4w
— IG: JosinaAnderson (@JosinaAnderson) October 27, 2021

Reports also emerged Wednesday that the Carolina Panthers aren't expected to pursue Watson this fall, meaning it's currently Miami or bust for the 26-year-old who remains a paid unused talent each week.

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