Mike McDaniel explains expectations, roles for Tua Tagovailoa, Teddy Bridgewater
The jury is still out on whether or not Tua Tagovailoa can be the long-term answer at quarterback for the Miami Dolphins. But new Dolphins head coach Mike McDaniel is sticking with Tagovailoa as his starter, at least for next season.
In addition to having Tagovailoa, the Dolphins signed Teddy Bridgewater to be his backup quarterback. Miami gave Bridgewater a one-year deal worth $6.5 million. Having someone like Bridgewater in the quarterback room is something that McDaniel thinks will be valuable for Tagovailoa.
“Around the Combine, I was describing specifically what I thought Tua really needed in support with a backup quarterback,” McDaniel said via Around the NFL’s Kevin Patra. “Unbeknownst to you guys, I was quite literally describing Teddy Bridgewater at the time, just not using his name. So, both players have (been) explicitly explained their roles and expectations. For that room to be their best, they need to know that.”
Last season, Jacoby Brissett served as Tagovailoa’s backup. Tagovailoa only started 12 games due to injuries, completing 67.8% of his passes and throwing for 2,653 yards, 16 touchdowns and 10 interceptions. The Dolphins were 7-5 in Tagovailoa starts. Brissett was a solid backup for Tagovailoa, but Bridgewater brings more experience as a quarterback in the NFL to Miami.
The Dolphins will be Bridgewater’s fourth team of his NFL career, and his fourth team in as many years. Last season, he led the Broncos to a 7-7 record in his 14 starts, completing just shy of 67% of his passes for 3,052 yards, 18 touchdowns and seven interceptions. The Dolphins will be comfortable if Bridgewater has to see the field, but McDaniel is clearly excited about what Bridgewater can do as a true backup to aid in Tagovailoa’s development.
The Dolphins have added around Tagovailoa
In hiring McDaniel as the team’s next head coach, the Dolphins gave Tagovailoa a young and versatile offensive mind to be coached by. But the Dolphins have added a ton of pieces all around the offense throughout the rest of the offseason.
It starts up front, and Miami gave Terron Armstead, one of the top offensive linemen in the NFL, a five-year deal worth $75 million in free agency. Additionally, the Dolphins signed offensive guard Connor Williams to a two-year deal. Miami also signed running backs Chase Edmonds (two years, $12.1 million) and Raheem Mostert (one-year, $2.1 million).
The highlight of Miami’s offseason is the acquisition of former Chiefs wideout Tyreek Hill. Adding Hill to the Dolphins pairs him with second-year wideout Jaylen Waddle, giving Tagovailoa two quick and explosive receivers. And with improved protection on the offensive line, Tagovailoa could enjoy more success as he enters his third year in the league.