Report: Brian Flores told Miami Dolphins that Tua Tagovailoa is ‘our quarterback’

Miami Dolphins head coach Brian Flores emphatically shot down renewed rumors about a possible acquisition of Deshaun Watson and stated that Tua Tagovailoa is the team’s quarterback.

I’m told Dolphins coach Brian Flores just addressed his team regarding recent reports tying Miami to a possible trade for Deshaun Watson. Sources say he told players and staff that Tua Tagovailoa is “our quarterback” in a brief but poignant endorsement of the QB. (quick thread)

— Jeff Darlington (@JeffDarlington) August 31, 2021

This info isn’t intended to dispute recent reporting that Miami was a major player in trade discussions. Rather, it is a reflection of the moment. A coach standing in front of his team, endorsing his QB, is not the same as one navigating a press conference.

— Jeff Darlington (@JeffDarlington) August 31, 2021

So wherever it started, wherever it’s going, here’s what you can take away: Less than two weeks before the season’s start, Flores made clear to his team that Tua is indeed their quarterback, and I expect him to echo a similar sentiment in the weeks to come.

— Jeff Darlington (@JeffDarlington) August 31, 2021

Rumors about the Dolphins trading for the disgruntled Houston Texans quarterback date back to January, though the Dolphins made an effort to dismiss them. A Tuesday report indicated that Dolphins owner Stephen Ross wants Watson.

While Watson has put up incredible numbers in recent years, he’s still the subject of an investigation about his behavior, complicating a deal with any team.

At the moment, Watson may be more valuable to the Dolphins’ 2021 postseason chances, given his experience. Still, the cost to acquire him would be prohibitive.

Tagovailoa was able to start nine games during a rookie year in which he was trying to come back from major hip surgery.

After gaining that experience, Tagovailoa’s future is promising enough that the team sees no reason to mortgage its future in a trade for Watson.

With Flores seemingly putting any concerns to rest, Tagovailoa can now focus on preparing for the Dolphins’ 2021 regular-season opener. That game will take place on the road against the New England Patriots on Sept. 12.

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