Who Should I Start? Tua Tagovailoa or Cameron Ward

Monday, February 9, 9:56 AM

The Miami Dolphins have not made a final decision on quarterback Tua Tagovailoa's future yet, but all signs are pointing towards him not returning in 2026 under the new regime, according to Tom Pelissero of the NFL Network. A trade is a possibility, but it's complicated. The Dolphins would have to eat a large chunk of Tagovailoa's $54 million fully guaranteed salary, and they'd have another $42.5 million dead-cap charge in 2026. Releasing the former first-rounder would be cleaner and would allow the team to spread the money out over two years. A final decision on Tagovailoa should come before the new league year begins on March 13, when another $3 million in 2027 would become fully guaranteed. The 27-year-old was a Pro Bowler in 2023 and led the league with 4,624 passing yards, but defenses quickly figured out Miami's offense, and concussion issues have plagued Tua as well. A fresh start elsewhere would be best for all parties, and Tagovailoa already said a change of scenery "would be dope."

Friday, January 30, 12:52 PM

The Tennessee Titans are hoping that new offensive coordinator Brian Daboll will help young quarterback Cam Ward, who struggled in his first year in the NFL after the Titans took him first overall in the 2025 NFL Draft. During Daboll's time in New England under Bill Belichick, he learned the Erhardt-Perkins system, which employs a concept-based passing scheme and runs to set up the pass. ESPN's Turron Davenport points out that Daboll has also used play-action, with vertical passing concepts, which match Ward's skill set. Ward had plenty of success using run-pass-option plays in college, and the Giants used RPOs at a 12.6% rate last year under Daboll, the fourth-highest rate in the league. The 23-year-old plans to clean up his mechanics after throwing for 3,169 yards, 15 touchdowns, and seven interceptions in his first 17 games. Ward must fix his accuracy issues to take the next step, but he should be in good hands with Daboll.