Miami Dolphins’ Offseason Plans: Evaluating Tua Tagovailoa and Team’s Future
The Miami Dolphins are navigating a pivotal offseason, with significant decisions looming regarding their quarterback position. Recently, offensive coordinator Bobby Slowik shared his thoughts on Tua Tagovailoa, who faced a challenging season in 2025. Slowik praised Tagovailoa for his professionalism and grace in handling his benching but remained coy about the team’s plans for him in 2026.
Slowik, promoted from passing game coordinator to offensive coordinator last month, emphasized the importance of competition at every position. He highlighted the need to push players to perform at their best, stating, “We’re going to try to push competition as often as we can at every single spot.” This approach is expected to influence the team’s decisions regarding the quarterback position and other key roles.
Tua Tagovailoa’s Future with the Dolphins
Tagovailoa’s performance in 2025 was marked by inconsistency, with a career-high 15 interceptions through the team’s first 14 games. He also struggled with passing yards, failing to surpass 200 yards in eight of those games. Despite these challenges, Slowik acknowledged Tagovailoa’s ability to bounce back, citing his resilience and dedication to his daily routine. However, Slowik stopped short of committing to Tagovailoa as the team’s quarterback for 2026, instead emphasizing the need for a thorough evaluation process.
The Dolphins’ new general manager, Jon-Eric Sullivan, has indicated that the team will decide on its next quarterback over the course of this offseason. This suggests that Tagovailoa’s future with the team is uncertain, with the possibility of him being traded or released. Tagovailoa himself has expressed openness to a fresh start elsewhere, which could impact the team’s decision-making process.
Offensive Philosophy and Player Personnel
Slowik’s offensive philosophy will focus on the running game, with an emphasis on stressing opposing defenses. He praised running back De’Von Achane, who was named to his first Pro Bowl after rushing for a career-high 1,350 yards in 2025. Achane’s versatility and ability to perform multiple tasks well will be a key factor in the team’s offense, according to Slowik.
The Dolphins must also make decisions regarding other key players, including wide receiver Tyreek Hill, who missed 13 games in 2025 due to a dislocated knee. Slowik deferred to Hafley and Sullivan to make all roster personnel decisions, emphasizing his role as a coach to get the best out of the players on the team.
As the Dolphins navigate their offseason, they will be focused on building a competitive roster and establishing a strong offensive identity. With Slowik’s emphasis on competition and the running game, the team is poised to undergo significant changes in the coming months. The future of Tua Tagovailoa and other key players will be a major storyline to watch as the Dolphins work towards a successful 2026 season.
