San Francisco 49ers consider Tua Tagovailoa after Miami Dolphins turmoil
Tua Tagovailoa’s future has suddenly become a topic of interest for San Francisco 49ers fans, albeit unexpectedly. The Miami Dolphins recently made headlines by benching their long-time starting quarterback, who had just signed a substantial contract. As speculation mounts about a potential separation between Tagovailoa and the Dolphins, the 49ers find themselves in an intriguing position, even if they are not the first team that comes to mind as a suitable landing spot for the former Alabama star.
Contract Complications
At first glance, Tagovailoa’s hefty contract seems to make a move to San Francisco improbable. However, Jeremy Fowler of ESPN has reported that there is a growing consensus around the NFL that no teams are eager to take on Tagovailoa’s financial obligations. With the Dolphins potentially leaning more toward cutting ties rather than trading him, the situation echoes the Denver Broncos’ experience with Russell Wilson. A source noted, “They should follow the Broncos’ blueprint with Russell Wilson and just rip the Band-Aid off. They seem very obviously done with him.”
Should the Dolphins move in this direction, the 49ers could find themselves with a unique opportunity. If released, Tagovailoa could be signed for a much lower salary, reminiscent of Wilson’s transition to the Pittsburgh Steelers, where he played for the league minimum. This strategy could allow the 49ers to not only secure an experienced quarterback but also give them the flexibility to explore additional roster moves.
Tagovailoa’s Future as a Backup
While it’s unclear if Tagovailoa would accept a backup role, his recent performance, including a Pro Bowl selection, positions him as a valuable asset in the free agency market. If released, he would likely be the second-best quarterback available behind Daniel Jones, who the Indianapolis Colts are expected to re-sign. However, that designation comes with caveats, as Jones himself is not without his injury concerns and inconsistencies.
In the context of San Francisco, Tagovailoa could find a more favorable situation. The 49ers have seen quarterbacks like Sam Darnold and Mac Jones pass through, both looking to rejuvenate their careers. With a system designed by Kyle Shanahan, Tagovailoa would likely be able to adapt quickly, especially given his prior connections to the 49ers’ coaching staff through Mike McDaniel.
A Potential Win-Win Scenario
While Brock Purdy has shown promise as the 49ers’ starter, his missed time this season highlights the importance of depth at the quarterback position. Bringing in Tagovailoa as a backup could provide a safety net. The arrangement could afford Tagovailoa a chance to recharge and refine his skills without the pressure of being a starter, possibly setting him up for a more lucrative opportunity in the following free agent class.
Furthermore, if Tagovailoa performs well during the preseason, it could elevate his market value and potentially result in a compensatory pick for the 49ers if he eventually signs elsewhere. Thus, this scenario could be advantageous for both the player and the franchise, making it a compelling consideration in the coming months.
