Tua Tagovailoa hears the trade rumors and reads some of the reports indicating the Miami Dolphins are poised to acquire Deshaun Watson from the Houston Texans.
What level of concern does Tagovailoa have at present that he’s on the outs in Miami?
“I don’t even know when the trade deadline is,” Tagovailoa said matter of factly about the deadline, which is Nov. 2 at 4 p.m. ET.
Watson, who requested a trade this spring, has been inactive for all seven games in Houston and is not likely to play again for the team paying a 2021 cap charge of $67.14 million for the right not to play him.
Watson reportedly had approved a deal to the Dolphins, but no other teams, as of Wednesday morning. His status with the league during an active criminal and league investigation into allegations of sexual assault and misconduct from 22 women who’ve also filed civil lawsuits is unclear.
NFL commissioner Roger Goodell said during owner’s meetings that the league investigation is “ongoing” and said the criminal investigation by police authorities takes priority.
In the meantime, as the current starter in Miami, Tagovailoa is coming off of a four-touchdown game in a 30-28 loss to the Atlanta Falcons on Sunday. And conversations with head coach Brian Flores apparenty have put his mind at ease about his job security with the 1-6 Dolphins.
“I have utmost confidence and trust I am the quarterback of this team,” the 23-year-old said Wednesday. “Off conversations I’ve had with Flo, those will stay private, I feel very confident I’m the person.”
Tagovailoa said he understands “nothing is fair” but indicated he doesn’t “not feel wanted” by the Dolphins, who selected him with the No. 5 overall pick in teh 2020 NFL Draft.
Watson led the NFL in passing yards last season with 4,823 yards and has a four-year, $156 million contract through 2025. Any team making a trade for Watson not only must navigate the uncertainty of his legal and league standing, but absorb a deal with a $35 million base salary in 2022.
The Texans reportedly are asking for three first-round picks in return for Watson.
–Field Level Media