Dolphins' Flores mum on Watson rumors, but 'very confident in Tua'

Miami Dolphins head coach Brian Flores reiterated his confidence in Tua Tagovailoa on Sunday, but he wouldn't address the recent Deshaun Watson trade rumors.

"Reports, speculation are not things we really get into," he said after the Dolphins wrapped up their preseason schedule against the Cincinnati Bengals, according to the Palm Beach Post's Joe Schad. "Any conversations we have or don't have are going to be internal."

The Dolphins emerged as front-runners to land Watson in a trade from the Houston Texans, according to a report on Saturday. Another report noted Watson would waive his no-trade clause to go to the Dolphins or Carolina Panthers.

Miami has been linked to Watson throughout the offseason, but the team has repeatedly backed Tagovailoa, the second-year quarterback it drafted fifth overall. Tagovailoa was underwhelming as a rookie after being highly touted coming out of Alabama.

"I am very confident in Tua," Flores said. "He has done a lot of good things. He has played well. My conversations with a player are going to remain between me and that player."

Watson led the NFL with 4,823 passing yards last season while completing a career-best 70.2% of his throws. But the 25-year-old is facing lawsuits from 22 women who have accused him of sexual assault and harassment, complicating trade talks. Watson also faces criminal complaints from 10 women.

Houston is reportedly asking suitors for three first-round picks and a pair of second-rounders for Watson, who requested a trade several months ago.