Who Should I Start? Tua Tagovailoa or J.J. McCarthy

Monday, February 16, 7:20 AM

FOX Sports' Jordan Schultz reports that the Miami Dolphins' preference has been to find a trade partner for quarterback Tua Tagovailoa, and Schultz's understanding is that the new regime doesn't "want it to drag too long." If the Dolphins can't find any takers on the trade market, a cut is "possible in the end." Miami has already started salary cap cuts this offseason, releasing both receiver Tyreek Hill (knee) and pass-rusher Bradley Chubb on Monday. Tagovailoa could be next, although the team will exhaust all potential trade avenues first. The 27-year-old said it "would be dope" to get a fresh start with a new team in 2026 after another disappointing campaign last year in which he was benched late in the year for rookie Quinn Ewers. Trading Tagovailoa won't be easy, though, after they signed him to a four-year, $212.4 million deal in July of 2024. The Dolphins would take a $99.2 million salary cap hit this year if they cut him before June 1, while releasing him after that date would allow them to spread out the cap hit over two years. It's pretty clear the former first-rounder has played his last snap in Miami, but he could compete for a starting role somewhere else in 2026, depending on where he lands.

Friday, February 13, 7:08 AM

A first-round selection in the 2024 NFL Draft, Minnesota Vikings quarterback J.J. McCarthy was expected to take over as the team's unquestioned QB1 in 2025. However, the 23-year-old struggled mightily in his first chance to be an NFL starter this past season. Across 10 starts, McCarthy completed 57.6% of his pass attempts for 1,632 yards, 11 touchdowns, and 12 interceptions. He was able to add some value with his legs, rushing for 181 yards and four touchdowns on 37 attempts. However, injuries and availability have also been a major issue for McCarthy. After missing his entire rookie year with a torn meniscus, McCarthy missed time in 2025 with a high-ankle sprain, a concussion, and a fractured hand. Heading into 2026, Vikings head coach Kevin O'Connell has stated that the team aims to have a "competitive" quarterback situation in training camp. While McCarthy is still young and could still be the long-term answer in Minnesota, his fantasy stock in dynasty formats is trending in the wrong direction.