Former Dolphins linebacker-turned broadcaster Kim Bokamper did not mince words, telling the media he “doesn’t want to see him back” in 2025, citing a lack of mobility, frequent ball mishandling, and poor awareness of the field. His assessment reflects a faction within the organization skeptical of Tagovailoa’s timeline for returning to form.
In addition to Bokamper’s stance, Omar Kelly of the Miami Herald reported that owner Stephen Ross no longer wants Tagovailoa as the Dolphins’ starter, suggesting the relationship may have run its course. While it remains unclear how injuries factor into the decline, Tagovailoa has indicated a desire for a fresh start elsewhere.
The extension Tagovailoa signed before the 2024 season came with high expectations, but the ensuing years were marred by injuries and underperformance. A Week 2 concussion shelved him on injured reserve, followed by a hip injury the same hip that ended his college career, contributing to Miami’s first losing season since 2019.
That pattern continued into 2025, when Tagovailoa stayed healthy yet delivered his lowest QBR of his career and his worst passer rating since 2020. He was benched after a Week 15 loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers on Monday Night Football, a move that fueled speculation about the quarterback’s future with the Dolphins.
Looking ahead, the Dolphins reportedly have options at quarterback beyond Tagovailoa. Free-agent Malik Willis offers a contrasting skill set with speed and arm strength, potentially appealing to a team seeking mobility and a different dynamic from Tagovailoa. The financial reality remains daunting, as Tagovailoa carries a about $56 million cap hit, which the Dolphins may opt to absorb to move on.
GM Chris Grier has not publicly declared a plan, though he has indicated conversations with Tagovailoa would come first, and the team could pursue competition via free agency. The evolving sentiment among Dolphins leadership, combined with the cap implications and a new quarterback landscape, makes Tagovailoa’s future in Miami far from settled. This is a developing storyline as the franchise reassesses its path at the sport’s most pivotal position.
