Miami Dolphins head coach Brian Flores reiterated on Friday that the team is still committed to second-year quarterback Tua Tagovailoa, and barring injury, he'll be their starter for the remainder of this season.
But Flores' comments weren't exactly reassuring. The debate on whether the Dolphins will acquire embattled Houston Texans quarterback Deshaun Watson before the Nov. 2 trade deadline is still pertinent. And during Friday's show, Tiki and Tierney questioned the Dolphins' long-term future with Tagovailoa.
"With all due respect to Flores, I don't believe that at all. I'd say that he's got zero power in that decision," Tierney said. "For somebody whose seat is a little warm right now, there's no way that ownership, Mr. Ross, is going to say, 'Coach, should I make this move?' He's been big-game hunting for a couple of years now... There's no way Tua can just be playing the position when the guy down the hall doesn't believe in him..."
On Wednesday, Tagovailoa was asked if he feels wanted by the Dolphins, and responded by saying, "I don't not feel wanted." He also told reporters that his private conversations with Flores have given him confidence that he's Miami's quarterback beyond 2021.
According to a recent report from the Houston Chronicle, Dolphins owner Stephen Ross has approved a trade involving Watson, who's currently facing 22 lawsuits alleging acts of sexual assault and misconduct plus 10 criminal complaints. But before a deal is finalized, Ross wants Watson's "legal issues resolved," and clarity from the NFL regarding any potential punishment.
It's also unclear if a potential trade for Watson would include Tagovailoa in the return package. In 14 career career games, the former fifth-overall pick has thrown for 2,649 yards with 18 touchdowns, nine interceptions, and a 65.7 completion percentage. The Dolphins, now in freefall with a 1-6 record, have just a 3-percent chance to make the playoffs, per FiveThirtyEight projections.
The entire Dolphins-Tagovailoa conversation between Tiki and Tierney can be accessed in the audio player above.
You can follow the Tiki and Tierney Show on Twitter @TikiAndTierney and Tom Hanslin @TomHanslin.