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Speaking to reporters at this week’s NFL Combine in Indianapolis, Miami Dolphins general manager Chris Grier made some eye-opening comments about the future of his quarterback Tua Tagovailoa.
When talking about Tua’s durability — the former University of Alabama product suffered multiple concussions last season and missed multiple games as a result — Grier said that he “can’t lie” about whether or not he’s concerned about his durability.
Still, despite his concerns, Grier said it’s not going to impact how they view Tua as a long-term prospect.
“I can’t lie and say no,” Grier said when asked if he’s concerned about Tua’s track record of durability (or lack thereof). “But it’s not something that’s going to make us afraid to do something longterm.”
Dolphins GM Chris Grier on any concerns about Tua Tagovailoa’s durability: “I can’t lie and say no. But it's not something that’s going to make us afraid to do something longterm.”
Grier raved about Tua’s growth, work and bond w/ Mike McDaniel. 5th year option deadline is May 1.
— Cameron Wolfe (@CameronWolfe) March 1, 2023
Ever since he was drafted by the Dolphins as the fifth overall pick in the 2020 NFL Draft, Tua has started in 34 games (and played in 36 total) for the team and has compiled a record of 21-13. In those 36 games, Tua has completed 65% of his passes for 8,015 yards, 52 touchdowns, and 23 interceptions.
Despite the injuries, 2022 was a breakout year for Tua under rookie head coach Mike McDaniel, as he set career highs in attempts, yards, average yards per pass, touchdowns, and quarterback rating.
While the Dolphins made the playoffs for the first time in his career this past season, Tua was unable to play in the Wild Card Round game against the Buffalo Bills due to a concussion that he suffered against the Green Bay Packers a few weeks prior.
Given the Dolphins’ position in this year’s draft — they don’t have a first-round pick this year as they were stripped of it as a result of tampering with Tom Brady last offseason — the team will certainly be committed to Tua for at least another season.