Miami Dolphins: No, Deshaun Watson Won't Be A Dolphin, Yet

All offseason long, the Miami Dolphins have been linked to Deshaun Watson. As recent as yesterday reports popped up that Miami was the frontrunner to land the Texans quarterback. Even with his current legal troubles, his name keeps popping up. He’s been linked to many teams including the Eagles, Broncos, and Panthers. Any of those teams would be an upgrade, but he still has a long way to go before he takes the field. With that being said, it won’t be for the Miami Dolphins.

First and foremost, Miami has spent the past two seasons acquiring resources to turn this team around. They traded away star players to stock up on draft picks. They cut high-profile players who underperformed. They signed 1 and 2 year “prove it” contracts to keep their cap low. It would be foolish of them to finally get their cap and picks under control only to turn around and spend them on a player who, yes would help the team, but no one knows how soon that would happen if ever.

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Then of course how many resources they invested in Tua Tagovailoa. The second year quarterback has finally been given control of the team and so far he’s looking good. They brought on QB coach Charlie Fyre to help work with Tagovailoa. Their first pick overall Jaylen Waddle was brought in because of his chemistry with Tua at Alabama. There were plenty of players Miami could’ve gone after if they had any interest in getting rid of their second-year QB. If they were so sure that Watson was an instant upgrade, they would’ve made a move around that.

Now that’s not to say that the Dolphins don’t remain interested, but its not happening this year. If he can get his legal troubles under control he might be thought of as an option, next year. In order for Miami to even consider moving on from Tua Tagovailoa, it would take a bad season. So far, the sky’s the limit for the young QB. He’s playing well, has more control, and seems to really grasp the offense. He’d have to prove he’s going to fail in order for the Dolphins to walk away at the current asking price.

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Watson would need a new contract, one that would push him up to $40 mil a season. Miami would reportedly also have to give up multiple first-round picks and a couple of second-round players. You would have to get it in writing that Watson would win you a Super Bowl to be crazy enough to give up those resources. Then of course, Miami wouldn’t keep Tua and Watson so they’d likely include him in the deal. Multiple first rounders and a first round QB himself? Sorry that’s not happening unless Tua Tagovailoa proves he’s not the guy, which he hasn’t yet. Those saying Miami is a frontrunner for Watson continue to have high hopes.