Should the Dolphins sign Cam Newton with Tua Tagovaioa on IR?

With quarterback Tua Tagovailoa on IR, the Miami Dolphins could pick up a readily-available starting QB with former Patriot Cam Newton. 

These days, the New England-Miami connection runs deep.

The AFC East divisional rivals are not only battling for the divisional title, but they’re doing so with staff and players that know each other well.

Dolphins head coach Brian Flores was a Super Bowl-winning defensive coordinator with the Patriots, while young quarterbacks Tua Tagovailoa and Mac Jones were teammates together at Alabama.

Perhaps the connection could run even deeper if the Miami Dolphins make a bold move: signing recently-released New England Patriot Cam Newton to play for the Dolphins while Tagovailoa is on IR.

While Tagovailoa won’t be clear to return until at least Week 6, the Dolphins will need every win they can get in their highly-competitive division. To threaten the top of the leaderboard, the Dolphins should sign the former Patriot for a few weeks — or more — to exact sweet revenge.

Tua rib injury should open the door for Dolphins to sign Cam Newton

Both Newton and Tagovailoa bear easy resemblance as mobile quarterbacks who can extend plays, meaning that the Dolphins can utilize the offensive playbook they’ve designed for Tagovailoa for Newton instead.

This was an issue for the Dolphins last season, when former offensive coordinator Chan Gailey adopted plays more to Ryan Fitzpatrick’s strengths than Tagovailoa’s.

Because Gailey’s offense catered to Fitzpatrick, “Tagovailoa struggled at times and Gailey consistently didn’t call the same routes that he did with Fitzpatrick in the game,” explained Brian Miller for Phin Phinatic.

If signed on to take over, Newton should be able to pick up the playbook easily, utilizing his mobility to extend plays in a way backup Dolphins quarterback Jacoby Brissett was unable to last week.

Even before Tagovailoa’s first-quarter rib injury, he was swallowed by sacks and hits pounded on by the Buffalo Bills defense. Tagovailoa still needs time to hone his skills, and despite the Patriots’ release, Newton remains a starting-caliber NFL quarterback who possesses those skills.

If the Dolphins do pick up Newton, it will be another steal that gives this AFC East team the edge over their divisional compatriot.