McDaniel: Dolphins 'Absolutely' Out on Lamar Jackson amid Tua Tagovailoa's Contract

The Miami Dolphins are "absolutely" committed to Tua Tagovailoa as their franchise quarterback and have no plans to pursue a trade for Lamar Jackson, head coach Mike McDaniel said Monday.

"That's why you pick up a fifth-year option. That's why you—that's how you do it," McDaniel said, per Joe Schad of the Palm Beach Post. "That's why you pick the option up as soon as you know you're going to. So to, to kind of as opposed to speaking, having an action speak, to really squash any of that an unnecessary direction or chatter."

Miami has been mentioned as a potential sleeper option for Jackson, who went to high school about an hour outside Miami in Boynton Beach. Jackson requested a trade from the Baltimore Ravens this month amid failed contract talks.

The Dolphins picked up Tagovailoa's fifth-year option this month, which will guarantee the Alabama product $23.2 million in 2024. Tagovailoa threw for 3,548 yards and 25 touchdowns against eight interceptions last season and led the NFL with a 105.5 quarterback rating.

While Tagovailoa seemed to thrive in McDaniel's quick-hitting passing scheme, there are legitimate concerns about his health. He suffered two different documented concussions in 2022 and has missed eight games total over the past two seasons. It's also worth noting that Tagovailoa entered the NFL in 2020 coming off a dislocated hip that ended his college career.

Jackson has his own injury issues, missing 10 games over the past two seasons, but has an MVP trophy and is just 26 years old. Tagovailoa has a strong enough resume that he would be attractive in trade talks with the Ravens and could limit Baltimore's asking price to one future first-round pick.

The Ravens placed the non-exclusive franchise tag on Jackson, which guarantees them two future firsts if they choose not to match an offer sheet.

Given McDaniel's comments, it's clear the Dolphins plan to move forward with Tagovailoa and build their roster around his passing ability rather than changing up their offensive plan with Jackson's run-heavy style.