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Dolphins Back Tua as Starter, But Competition Remains Open

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  Published in Sports and Competition on Wednesday, January 7th 2026 at 7:41 GMT by Sporting News

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Dolphins' McDaniel Sticking With Tua, But Competition Remains Open Amidst Injury History

The Miami Dolphins, coming off a promising but ultimately disappointing 2023 season, are reaffirming their commitment to Tua Tagovailoa as their starting quarterback, but are simultaneously leaving the door open for competition. Head Coach Mike McDaniel, speaking at the NFL Combine, stated that while Tua is the current starter, the team will explore all avenues to improve at the position, including bringing in competition. This signals a careful balancing act – showing faith in their franchise quarterback while acknowledging the undeniable concerns surrounding his durability and performance in critical moments.

The Sporting News article, and subsequent reporting, highlights a pivotal offseason for the Dolphins. After a blistering 8-3 start in 2023, Miami faltered down the stretch, losing five of their last nine games, including a Wild Card playoff defeat to the Kansas City Chiefs. A significant contributing factor to this decline was Tua's recurring concussion issues and general fragility. He suffered multiple head injuries throughout the season, forcing him to miss games and raising serious questions about his long-term viability as a starting NFL quarterback.

McDaniel’s stance is nuanced. He explicitly stated that Tua is "our quarterback," but quickly added the caveat that the team will “absolutely” consider adding competition, either through the draft or free agency. This isn’t necessarily a lack of faith in Tua, but rather a responsible approach to building a sustainable team, especially given his injury history. The coach emphasized the importance of evaluating all options to ensure the Dolphins are equipped to handle adversity should Tua be unavailable.

The article points to several potential avenues the Dolphins might explore. The upcoming NFL Draft is loaded with quarterback talent, particularly at the top. While the Dolphins currently pick 56th overall in the draft, they could trade up to secure a player they believe has a high ceiling. Names like Jayden Daniels (LSU), Caleb Williams (USC – expected to go #1), Drake Maye (North Carolina), and J.J. McCarthy (Michigan) are all potential targets, though moving up to acquire them would require significant draft capital.

Free agency presents another, potentially more immediate, option. Several veteran quarterbacks are expected to be available, including Russell Wilson, who was recently released by the Denver Broncos. While Wilson's recent performance hasn't been stellar, he brings a wealth of experience and a proven track record of success. Kirk Cousins (Minnesota Vikings) is also a possibility, though his recovery from a torn Achilles tendon could impact his availability and price tag. The article notes that while the Dolphins were reportedly interested in Cousins last year before he re-signed with Minnesota, his current situation makes him an intriguing option.

However, bringing in a veteran like Wilson or Cousins isn't a slam dunk. Miami is a team built for speed and explosiveness, heavily reliant on the dynamic playmaking of Tyreek Hill and Jaylen Waddle. A more traditional, pocket-passing quarterback might not be the ideal fit. McDaniel’s offensive scheme demands a quarterback who can quickly process information, make accurate throws, and effectively utilize short and intermediate routes – all areas where Tua excels when healthy.

The pressure on Tua is undeniably high. He’s entering a contract year, and his performance will largely determine his future with the Dolphins. He’s shown flashes of brilliance, completing a league-best 70.3% of his passes in 2023, but consistency and staying on the field remain his biggest challenges. He needs to demonstrate not only that he can be an effective quarterback but also that he can withstand the physical demands of the NFL.

McDaniel's decision to keep the competition open serves multiple purposes. It motivates Tua to elevate his game and protect himself. It provides the team with a contingency plan should Tua falter or get injured. And it allows the Dolphins to thoroughly assess their options and make the best decision for the long-term future of the franchise.

Ultimately, the Dolphins are walking a tightrope. They’re betting on Tua’s potential, but they’re also prepared to explore alternatives if necessary. The next few months will be crucial in shaping the future of the Miami Dolphins' quarterback position and their pursuit of a Super Bowl title. The team's success will hinge on finding the right balance between supporting Tua and ensuring they have a viable plan in place should he be unable to lead them to the promised land.