Report: Miami Dolphins players doubting Tua Tagovailoa’s potential after team names him starter

After an impressive 2020 campaign, the Miami Dolphins appear to be headed in the right direction with a potential star under center in Tua Tagovailoa.

Although things are on the up and up in Miami, Tagovailoa appears to still be on shaky ground in the minds of his teammates. Dolphins general manager Chris Grier made it clear that Tagovailoa will be next year’s starter, but players are questioning that decision, according to Armando Salguero of the Miami Herald.

“And that caught the attention of at least three players within the team because they have told the Herald in recent days they didn’t see enough from Tagovailoa in 2020 to promise him, well, anything for next season,” Salguero wrote.

One player disclosed his doubts about the former University of Alabama star.

“I understand what they said,” one player said of Grier’s choice to name Tagovailoa the starter for next season. “But I don’t understand why.”

Beyond that, players admitted that were left wanting more from Tagovailoa in the 2020 season.

“These players said they remain hopeful Tagovailoa will improve, but admitted he was not outstanding as a rookie, in their opinions,” Salguero added.

Another player confessed his overall confusion regarding Tagovailoa and the team’s decision to name him the starter.

“I don’t know, man, that’s like a puzzle right there,” he said.

Another aspect that makes the situation in Miami much more interesting is the recent rumor that surfaced about Deshaun Watson of the Houston Texans. 

Watson isn’t happy with how the Texans are being run at present and is reportedly open to waiving his no-trade clause to land with the Dolphins.

This obviously directly impacts Tagovailoa’s future and might be an intriguing proposition for Miami if the team isn’t confident Tagovailoa can be the long-term starter. Adding Watson would instantly make the Dolphins playoff contenders for the foreseeable future.