Who Should I Start? Tua Tagovailoa or Shedeur Sanders

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."

Tuesday, February 10, 2:36 PM

The Athletic's Zac Jackson predicts that the Cleveland Browns give quarterback Shedeur Sanders the "runway to be the No. 1 QB for the summer and early fall." Sanders, who fell to the fifth round in last year's NFL draft, held the starting gig for the final seven games of the 2025 season and was predictably inconsistent, completing 56.6% of his 212 pass attempts for 1,400 yards, seven touchdowns, and 10 picks. He added 21 rushing attempts for 169 yards and a touchdown. Along with Sanders, Deshaun Watson (Achilles) and Dillon Gabriel are the only other QBs on the roster. As of now, Sanders is probably first in line, but it's early in the offseason, and the depth chart remains fluid. New head coach Todd Monken was non-committal on the QB situation at his first press conference. The Browns could add to the QB competition by taking a signal-caller in this year's draft, giving Sanders more competition.