The hearts of millions sank when Tua Tagovailoa hit the turf on Thursday Night Football. The veteran quarterback and 2020 fifth-overall pick took off with the ball and collided with a Buffalo Bills defender. Instantly, we knew what happened.
Tua had an extensive injury of concussions, and suffering another severe blow to the head could spell the end of his playing career. After lying unconscious for a few seconds, the Miami Dolphins quarterback was eventually able to make his way off the field.
Tua's health is bigger than the game of football, and he's got his whole life ahead of him. While we don't know exactly what's in store, we have a feeling a difficult conversation is coming.
Nobody is brushing Tua's health to the side. That's the biggest thing here. But the 2024 season will continue and head coach Mike McDaniel doesn't have a quarterback. Backup Skylar Thompson will now be thrust into the starting role. Thompson threw for 5.7 yards per attempt with a 0.7 QBR to close out the Week 2 game against the Bills when filling in for Tua.
With Tagovailoa out, the Dolphins' 2024 season is forfeit... that is unless they can find a quality veteran quarterback who can weather the storm.
Steelers-Dolphins trade talks could heat up
The Pittsburgh Steelers are in the business of winning football games, and Mike Tomlin won't be willing to part with any player he believes helps their cause in their present state. Having said that, there's a time and place for unforeseen trades to occur.
Justin Fields isn't on the table. After emerging victorious in the season opener against the Falcons, Fields will get the job in early in the season. Meanwhile, Russell Wilson is working his way back from a calf injury.
Though Wilson has a no-trade clause and the power to veto any trade he doesn't like, perhaps his best chance at maintaining relevancy late in his career is with the Miami Dolphins. If Fields continues to progress, it would be better for Wilson to start in Miami than ride the bench in Pittsburgh.
Obviously, health concerns come into question. If Wilson was healthy enough to play, would he be suiting up for the Steelers? How bad is the calf injury, and how long will it take him to get up to speed? All of these questions are justified.
Assuming he will be good to go soon, Wilson could get a fresh start on a Dolphins team that now lacks a capable quarterback. The veteran QB would have the opportunity to work with one of the most brilliant young offensive minds in the business Mike McDaniel, and would undoubtedly put up better numbers than he otherwise would have in Pittsburgh.
Though Tomlin isn't likely to part with one of his top two quarterbacks in a year where he needs to find playoff success, this is a trade that would potentially make sense for both parties. The Dolphins would be getting an experienced veteran quarterback who could salvage Miami's 2024 season, and the Steelers would get as much as a mid-round draft choice to continue restocking their roster in 2025.
Our hearts go out to Tua Tagovailoa and his family. As we wait to see what comes next, there's little question the Dolphins need to upgrade the quarterback position. If the Steelers feel comfortable with Justin Fields moving forward and if Russell Wilson is on board, they could make a trade happen.