The Athletic's Mike Sando and The Ringer's Ryen Russillo discussed Tua Tagovailoa's NFL future during a recent podcast episode.
Rounding into his sixth season in the saddle for the Miami Dolphins, Tua Tagovailoa’s future isn’t set in stone. The Ringer’s Ryen Russillo and The Athletic’s Mike Sando discussed the former Alabama Crimson Tide quarterback’s situation last week on the former’s podcast.
Tagovailoa led the NFL in passing yardage in 2023, the only campaign he’s been fully healthy. He suffered multiple concussions in 2022 and missed four games last go-round with one. While he’s shown glimpses of being the guy, those ailments have hampered his ability to cement himself as the Dolphins’ long-term answer.
“It’s like, ‘If it’s on schedule, everything’s rolling. His accuracy is so special that it looks really good,’” Russillo said. “I think all of us know this now that have watched it. As soon as it’s off-script, you’re like, ‘Uh, what’s gonna happen now?’ And that’s where the problems start.”
Sando tabbed Tagovailoa as the No. 17 passer in the league in his recent rankings, tabulated by NFL coaches and executives. Tagovailoa is 38-24 as a starter and has only played one postseason game.
“He’s a big hit away from maybe not playing anymore,” Sando said. “I think that’s why he got two (votes for the fourth tier). There’s some people who think, ‘I think the end’s nearing. It’s a miracle he’s made it this far.’ So hopefully that’s not the case. Hopefully he can stay healthy, but they’re really at a crossroads. They’ve kinda paid him, gone all in, pretty much, spending the last few years and then really haven’t had a lot to show for it.”
This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Aug 18, 2025, where it first appeared in the College section. Add Athlon Sports as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
Category: Football
