Dolphins solidify Tua Tagovailoa’s future status with team

Tua Tagovailoa might have struggled towards the end of the season, but the Miami Dolphins are set to build around him for the future. 

As the 2020 NFL season comes to an end, the Miami Dolphins will have decisions to make moving forward. The biggest one might come at the position that could make or break the team long-term.

Although 22 years old, Tua Tagovailoa was set to become the next big name in the NFL. A two-year stint at Alabama with near-flawless play made him one of the more sought-after quarterback prospects the NFL has ever seen.

As the clock struck zero on a 56-26 loss to the Buffalo Bills, fans began wondering if Miami would pull an Arizona and bail after one season on the former No. 5 selection.

Instead, Tuesday cleared up any thoughts on Miami’s future plans.

Dolphins general manager Chris Grier told reporters that Tagovailoa still is the quarterback of the future. Although the team finished 10-6 and missed the postseason, Grier mentioned how proud he was of the rookie’s progression through an up and down season.

“I thought Tua did a great job of working himself through the whole process,” Grier said.

The Dolphins now must build around their quarterback

Tagovailoa was one part of the glaring problems found in Orchard Park on Sunday. He finished 35-of-58 passing for 361 yards, a touchdown and three interceptions. It was the second time Tagovailoa had thrown for 300-plus yards this season.

He also doubled his interception ratio on the year in 60 minutes. The Buffalo defense also rested multiple starters, meaning several takeaways were caused by second-stringers.

With the Dolphins holding the No. 3 pick in April’s draft thanks to the Texans, Grier would be remiss if the idea of a new quarterback didn’t float in his mind. However, outside of perhaps Clemson’s Trevor Lawrence, is there a name that would work with the arsenal at hand?

Miami was without their No. 2 target Preston Williams for most of the season. The team had two opt-outs at wide receiver before the year began. DeVante Parker missed time and is still inconsistent as the team’s top receiver.

All that and no wonder why Tagovailoa never stretched the ball downfield.

Tagovailoa is far from a finished product, but a 6-3 record as a starter shows potential. Now, it’ll be about building around the franchise quarterback with early selections in the upcoming draft.

If the franchise believes the rookie can transform into All-Pro, it’s time to put the money where the mouth is starting this free agency.