Remember all of that happy talk about how the Miami Dolphins were all in with quarterback Tua Tagovailoa?
Well, talk is cheap, and if reports are true, the Dolphins’ actions in the coming days could speak louder than words.
The Dolphins have emerged as frontrunners in trade talks with the Texans for QB Deshaun Watson, sources tell @CharlesRobinson.
Houston seeks three first-round picks and two second-round picks. pic.twitter.com/nOUenaKFBV
— Yahoo Sports (@YahooSports) August 28, 2021
The social media chatter on this potential blockbuster trade is very loud.
Deshaun Watson may get his highly anticipated trip out of Houston and land in Miami.
While some do not believe it, others certainly think it is possible.
The Dolphins interest in Watson is not a hoax. There’s been a mutual infatuation for a long time. Not sure what this means for Tua Tagovailoa, but the Dolphins appear to be the leaders to acquire Deshaun Watson. Will be interesting to see how this all plays out.
— Neal Driscoll (@NealDriscoll) August 28, 2021
What We Know
Thread. Sources tell @yahoosports the #Dolphins have emerged as the frontrunner in trade discussions with the #Texans for QB Deshaun Watson. The Texans are seeking 3 first-round picks and 2 second-round picks in negotiations, according to a team that dropped out of trade talks.
— Charles Robinson (@CharlesRobinson) August 28, 2021
The reporting comes from Charles Robinson, Yahoo Senior NFL Reporter.
Robinson indicates that besides the Dolphins, the Broncos, Eagles, and Panthers were interested parties.
The Eagles traded for Gardner Minshew on Saturday afternoon so they are out of the running.
That leaves the Broncos, Panthers, and Dolphins.
FLORIO: Multiple team executives believe Deshaun Watson "will be traded in the coming days" to one of the following teams: Carolina Panthers (sorry Sam), Miami Dolphins (sorry Tua), Denver Broncos or Philadelphia Eagles, and that the price may be dropping. https://t.co/YOUCa1iT0I
— Daniel Wallach (@WALLACHLEGAL) August 28, 2021
Reporting suggests the asking price is dropping; however, the Texans had previously been looking for three first-round picks and two second-round picks.
Sticking Points
Obviously, Watson’s legal issues are an issue for teams.
They are asking for pick protections if a criminal prosecution of Watson occurs.
The other sticking point is on Watson’s end.
He has the right to approve where he is traded to.
That appears to have hampered some negotiations.
What About Tua
Once again, reporting is all over the place on what a potential Watson move to Miami means for Tua.
Some believe Tua would be part of the trade while others say that the Texans are not interested in Tua.
The #Texans are *not* interested in Miami QB Tua Tagovailoa in the trade for Deshaun Watson, per @ArmandoSalguero
Watson will also accept a trade to the #Panthers although his main wish is to be traded to the #Dolphins
— Dov Kleiman (@NFL_DovKleiman) August 28, 2021
Dolphins Quarterback Roster
In addition to Tua, the Dolphins also have former Indianapolis Colt Jacoby Brissett and 2020 undrafted free agent Reid Sinnett.
Last season, Tua shared time with Ryan Fitzpatrick who is now a member of the Washington Football Team.
Coach Flores On Tua
Back in June, Coach Brian Flores spoke positively about Tua’s development.
“Last year is last year. I’m more of a forward-thinker. I think Tua – we’ve talked about his growth a lot from the last six months and how he’s reflected on that. I think my focus is on helping him improve on a daily basis. Obviously you use the past to kind of point you in the right direction of where to make those improvements and we’ll just continue to focus on this one day at a time and help Tua.”
“We as coaches, that’s what we’re trying to do, is help them all get better, improve, reach their potential. If we can do that with the individual players and then pull it all together in different units, in groups; then hopefully we have a team that supports one another and can be productive on the field.”
As more information becomes known, we will provide updates on this story.
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