Dolphins coach addresses DeShaun Watson, backs Tua Tagovailoa

Dolphins head coach Brian Flores addressed DeShaun Watson trade rumors with his team on Tuesday, according to ESPN’s Jeff Darlington. The discussion between players and coaches reportedly included an endorsement of current starter Tua Tagovailoa as the man of the future.

The reported conversation comes shortly after Flores made headlines while addressing the Watson rumors, stating that the Dolphins value “high character” players.

In a thread of tweets sent out Tuesday, Darlington shared the information he was provided about the team meeting.

“[Flores] told players and staff that Tua Tagovailoa is ‘our quarterback’ in a brief but poignant endorsement,” Darlington posted. “This info isn’t intended to dispute recent reporting that Miami was a major player in trade discussions. Rather, it is a reflection of the moment. A coach standing in front of his team, endorsing his quarterback, is not the same as one navigating a press conference.”

He continued: “So wherever it started, wherever it’s going, here’s what you can take away: Less than two weeks before the season’s start, Flores made clear to his team that Tua is indeed their quarterback, and I expect him to echo a similar sentiment in the weeks to come.”

Potential package for Watson

The Texans have a hefty price tag on their star quarterback. They are reportedly seeking multiple premium draft picks.

“Sources tell Yahoo Sports the Dolphins have emerged as the frontrunner in trade discussions with the Texans for QB Deshaun Watson,” Robinson said. “The Texans are seeking 3 first-round picks and 2 second-round picks in negotiations, according to a team that dropped out of trade talks.”

There were multiple teams involved in trade talks for Watson around the league. At least three additional teams were in discussions at some point, but Watson holds some power with his contract.

“Sources said the Panthers, Broncos and Eagles were also in some element of trade consideration,” Robinson tweeted. “But Watson’s contractual right to approve the trade destination – which was signed off on by Houston ownership in his last extension – has weighed heavily in trade opportunities.”

In light of Watson’s offseason accusations of sexual assault, teams are looking for protection in potential trades.

“Sources said teams have angled for pick protections in any trade, to mitigate a potential NFL suspension or criminal prosecution tied to ongoing investigations by the FBY, Harris County prosecutor and Houston PD, into sexual assault allegations from multiple women,” Robinson tweeted.

Questions at quarterback

The Dolphins selected Tagovailoa fifth overall in the 2020 NFL Draft. As a rookie, he took the starting job from Ryan Fitzpatrick in the middle of the year. Tagovailoa completed 64.1 percent of his passes with 1,814 yards, 14 total touchdowns and five interceptions. After just one year in the NFL, Tagovailoa might see major changes with a potential Watson trade.

Tagovailoa did not have the strongest rookie year. There was a lot of promise around his offseason and performance so far in the preseason. In Miami’s first preseason game, Tagovailoa was 8-of-12 with 99 yards and an interception. He rebounded nicely in the following game, completing all eight of his first-quarter pass attempts against Atlanta.

While Watson would be an immediate upgrade over Tagovailoa, it would be surprising to see the Dolphins move on. For Houston, Tagovailoa could be involved in the trade. If he is, does that lower the amount of premium draft picks in their asking price?