Tua Tagovailoa wouldn't mind Ryan Fitzpatrick returning to Dolphins: 'He's a great person'

Ryan Fitzpatrick has been a great mentor for Miami Dolphins rookie quarterback Tua Tagovailoa. Fitzpatrick will become a free agent this offseason, and the Dolphins might be interested in bringing him back for another year.

Pro Football Talk asked Tagovailoa this week if he wanted Fitzpatrick to come back next season or if he believes he can step up and handle things independently. 

"I've learned a tremendous amount from Ryan. He's a great person. I think we'll continue to have this strong relationship whether he comes back to Miami or whether he doesn't," Tagovailoa said. "But I've learned a tremendous amount and I know that he's always someone that I can always call throughout the season or throughout the year."

Fitzpatrick will likely serve as a safety net for Tagovailoa if he returns in 2021. That's the role he assumed once the rookie became Miami's starting quarterback.

Tagovailoa went 6-3 in 2020, completing 64.1% of his passes for 1,814 yards and 11 touchdowns against five interceptions. He also ran for 109 yards and three scores. 

The 22-year-old showed a lot of promise, but bringing back Fitzpatrick might be a reliable option for Miami with Tagovailoa set to begin the season as the Dolphins' starter.