New Miami Dolphins wide receiver Tyreek Hill delivered a challenge to quarterback Tua Tagovailoa about how the upcoming season could potentially be Tagovailoa’s last chance to prove his worth.
During an episode of the “It Needed to Be Said” podcast, Hill talked about the usual time frame that quarterbacks have to show their abilities in the NFL.
“You know, in the NFL they only give you like two or three years to be a successful quarterback, especially if you’re a first-round draft pick,” Hill said. “And if you don’t succeed after those years, then it’s kick rocks, man. So, basically, they’re going to put Tua into that. So this is basically his last year, man, just to show people what he’s got.”
Tagovailoa has had some up-and-down moments since being picked fifth overall in the 2020 NFL Draft. Obstacles that he’s dealt with have included injuries as well as trade rumors involving current Cleveland Browns quarterback Deshaun Watson.
In both of Tagovailoa’s seasons so far, the Dolphins have come up just short of reaching the playoffs.
Frustrations could be magnified if the Dolphins aren’t able to break through in the 2022 season, especially after they gave up plenty to acquire Hill.
The price to acquire Hill was high for a simple reason: The veteran wide receiver ranks among the elite receivers in the game.
In six seasons as a member of the Kansas City Chiefs, Hill caught 479 passes and totaled 56 touchdowns through the air. He also played a central role in leading the Chiefs to two consecutive Super Bowl appearances and the franchise’s first Super Bowl title in 50 years.
Last season, Hill caught 111 passes, with nine of those resulting in touchdowns. He compiled 1,239 yards on those receptions, marking his fourth season with at least 1,000 receiving yards.
Hill may be applying some pressure on Tagovailoa, but he has already offered comments that show how much he believes in the youngster. Some of Hill’s comments were controversial enough to earn him death threats.
Players like Hill and Jaylen Waddle can help Tagovailoa finally make his mark. However, if the quarterback does fall short, the Dolphins could move on from him in 2023.
