The drama surrounding whether or not the Miami Dolphins will trade for Houston Texan’s quarterback Deshaun Watson is in the homestretch. The franchise has until the NFL trade deadline on November 2 to make a deal and, although owner Stephen Ross has reportedly signed off, his requirement to make Watson solve his legal problems beforehand appears to make the entire situation impossible.
So while you never say never, especially when it comes to NFL owners looking the other way on disturbing allegations, it does appear that the Dolphins will be sticking with Tua Tagovailoa as their starting quarterback. And while head coach Brian Flores has said as much in recent weeks, he seemed to cement that notion on Friday in discussing his second-year signal-caller.
Brian Flores says barring injury, Tua is the Dolphins QB for the rest of 2021
— Marcel Louis-Jacques (@Marcel_LJ) October 29, 2021
“Tua is our quarterback,” said Flores. “I don’t get into rumors. I don’t get into speculation. Tua is our quarterback.”
Not everyone was sold on the way Flores has handled questions about the situation, wishing that he would be more specific about the Deshaun Watson situation. When asked about why he wouldn’t discuss more aspects of the potential trade situation, Flores really works hard to evade any kind of insight or details.
This is not leadership. This is evasion, dodging and double speak
(H/T @MySportsUpdate)
— Armando Salguero (@ArmandoSalguero) October 29, 2021
While not as 100% solid as if someone from the Dolphins organization said they weren’t interested in Watson, Flores clearly seems to be acknowledging that he’s focused on working with Tua and is trying his best to avoid talking about speculation and “distractions.”
So Flores comment that Tua will be QB remainder of 2021 suggests it's not likely Watson trade will be completed by Tuesday's trade deadline.That would be best situation for Fins,so Tua can be given full year to evaluate.ESPN said he's going to Miami or staying in Houston, period.
— Barry Jackson (@flasportsbuzz) October 29, 2021
In light of the way Mike Tomlin came out this week and emphatically killed any rumors about what his situation was, press conferences like this are going to stand out even more because we all know there’s more to the situation even if Flores is doing everything in his power not to talk about it. A little straight talk would go a long way to not only put the issue to bed (unless it’s not) and give his current quarterback the motivation he needs to help get the Dolphins back on track.
[Marcel Louis-Jacques, Armando Salgeuro]
