Tua Tagovailoa Is Being Targeted By Surprise Team In Free Agency Splash
This article was originally published on Total Pro Sports.
The New York Jets are looking for a new quarterback again. This time, they are interested in Tua Tagovailoa, according to Mike Garafolo from the NFL Network.
Garafolo said the Jets have looked at Tagovailoa as one of several options. The Miami Dolphins have not released him yet. However, many people around the league expect that to happen because his contract would be very hard to trade. If Miami lets him go, Tagovailoa could become available at a low cost.
The Jets clearly need help at quarterback. Justin Fields is expected to be released. The team wants cheaper options for the 2025 season. Rich Cimini of ESPN reported that the Jets could add more than one veteran quarterback. That suggests the team is starting fresh in New York.
Familiar Face Could Fit Short-Term Plan
The Jets are very familiar with Tua Tagovailoa. He has played against them twice every season for six years. Their new defensive coordinator, Brian Duker, previously worked in Miami. That connection makes the interest even more interesting.
If the Dolphins release Tagovailoa after March 11 with a post-June 1 move, they would carry $99.2 million in dead cap over two years. He still has $54 million guaranteed. Because of that, he might sign a veteran minimum deal with a new team. It would be similar to what Russell Wilson did in 2024. After the Denver Broncos released him, he signed a minimum deal with the Pittsburgh Steelers while Denver paid most of his salary.
RUMORS: The Jets have interest in potentially adding Tua Tagovailoa in free agency, according to @MikeGarafolo pic.twitter.com/Ifo6m4I3Td
— JPA (@jasrifootball) March 4, 2026
The Jets are not the only team interested. The Minnesota Vikings have also looked into Tagovailoa, according to Mike Garafolo. Meanwhile, the Arizona Cardinals could move on from Kyler Murray if they cannot trade him. That gives teams more affordable options.
New York is also exploring trade possibilities. Rich Cimini mentioned Tyson Bagent, Tanner McKee, and Spencer Rattler as possible targets. Connor Hughes from SNY reported that the Jets likely will not draft a quarterback early this year. Instead, they may wait until the 2027 draft, when they have two first-round picks.
For now, the team wants experience. In 2017, they used Josh McCown as a short-term starter before drafting Sam Darnold. They could follow a similar plan again.
Head coach Aaron Glenn is entering his second season after a 3-14 record in his first year. He needs wins soon. Tagovailoa brings starting experience at a low cost, which makes this situation worth watching in New York.
