Miami Dolphins: Tua Tagovailoa is not focusing on trade rumors

At one time, Tua Tagovailoa was one of the most sought after quarterback prospects to come into the National Football League in quite some time. The former Alabama quarterback had immense promise, and went to a franchise that wanted to harness it.

Prior to his second season, how quickly everyone has forgotten.

Tagovailoa has been the subject of immense criticism following his rookie season. Evidently, the faith in the former Crimson Tide quarterback has been shaken by an uneven year, even though Tagovailoa was returning from injury and adjusting to the NFL.

While rumors of the Miami Dolphins looking to upgrade at quarterback persist, the trade rumors involving himself aren’t on Tagovailoa’s mind.

“What’s funny is I heard (defensive tackle John Jenkins) just say he doesn’t have cable,” Tagovailoa said, per AL.com. “I’m one of those guys that don’t have cable, too. I’m not able to turn on my TV and watch what’s going on to see the news and whatnot. 

“Now, obviously, I know social media is a big deal, but, really, I only hear about those things from my agents or if it comes from Ann Noland (the Dolphins’ senior director of football communications) or if Coach wants to sit down and talk to me about things like that. That’s kind of how I find out a lot of the talk that’s going on.”

Entering his second season, Tagovailoa faces pressure most young quarterbacks usually don’t. Still, he’s proven to be able to handle it in the past.

Brian Flores on Tagovailoa

Prior to their first game against the New England Patriots, Dolphins head coach Brian Flores put to bed any rumors about Tagovailoa not being his starting quarterback.

 “I will say that Tua is our quarterback,” said Flores on Tagovailoa. “He’s had a good training camp. I think he’s made a lot of progress . . . a lot of improvement. We’re pleased with where he is.

“I don’t know if I can be more clear. I don’t know how many times – I don’t know how much more clear I can be here. Tua’s the starter. I mean, do I need to say it again? I will.”

Evidently, the rumors swirling around Miami about a potential Deshaun Watson trade are growing tiresome for Flores. Still, his quarterback appreciated his coach backing him up.

“I think it means a lot with it coming from the head coach,” Tagovailoa said. “The support that I have from him and from the team, it means a lot.”

This season, Tua Tagovailoa can quiet his critics by playing to his potential. With the backing of his head coach and a multitude of weapons surrounding him, the former Alabama star can shine bright in Miami.