Tua Tagovailoa addresses the NFL trade rumors following loss

Following a Week 7 loss to the Atlanta Falcons, Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa addressed trade rumors surrounding the team. A report from the Houston Chronicle from last week suggested that the Dolphins are looking to acquire quarterback Deshaun Watson.

Tagovailoa, who made his return from injury in Week 6, was brief in his answers on the matter.

“It’s still a normal week,” the quarterback said “I really respect and appreciate his transparency where he’s at with that. But I like to keep those conversations private.”

The former Alabama star finished 32-of-40 for 292 yards and four touchdowns Sunday, though he also threw two interceptions. The Dolphins have now lost six straight games after winning their season opener.

A potential trade promises to displace Tua Tagovailoa, who has struggled with injuries and inconsistent play over his first two seasons. Whether moved to the rebuilding Texans, another quarterback-needy team or kept on as a backup, the trade offers a hiccup in the young quarterback’s once promising career. The Dolphins took him fifth overall in the 2020 NFL draft.

According to previous reports, Texans general manager Nick Caserio asked interested teams for three first-round draft picks and two second-round picks. Watson also has a no-trade clause, giving him final say.

Watson remained on the Texans roster throughout the preseason and over the first six weeks of the regular reason but has not been active. Even after an injury to starting quarterback Tyrod Taylor, Houston opted for rookie quarterback Davis Mills over the disgruntled star.

In light of Watson’s offseason accusations of sexual assault, teams are looking for protection in potential trades. Recent reports indicate he could miss the entire 2021 season, even if traded.

“Prosecutors have yet to present the case — at least in full — to the grand jury,” NFL insider A.J. Perez added. He also said there is “some hope” the grand jury will have its decision in October. However, not only has the grand jury not seen all of the evidence, but “there are some indications that investigators are still gathering info.”

It seems a bit early to give up on Tua Tagovailoa, given how high he was taken in the draft. Add in the fact that he has played only three full games this season, and we may not have seen his best yet.

The Dolphins have a matchup against division foe Buffalo coming up in Week 8. Could we see a new quarterback under center by then?

On3’s James Fletcher contributed to this report.