Report: Dolphins expected to move forward with Tua as starting QB

The Miami Dolphins intend to move forward with Tua Tagovailoa as their starting quarterback for the 2022 season, sources told NFL Network's Ian Rapoport.

The Dolphins, who fired former head coach Brian Flores after the 2021 campaign, are hoping to replace Flores with someone who can maximize Tagovailoa's talent, Rapoport adds.

With Flores gone, the chances of Miami pursuing or acquiring Houston Texans quarterback Deshaun Watson have greatly diminished, if not disappeared completely, sources told ESPN's Adam Schefter.

The Dolphins showed interest in acquiring Watson throughout last offseason and ahead of the 2021 trade deadline, but a move never materialized. Flores was interested in acquiring Watson, while team owner Stephen Ross and other members of the franchise were not, reports Schefter.

Miami reportedly dismissed Flores due to his strained relationships with Tagovailoa and general manager Chris Grier.

Tagovailoa, 23, finished the 2021 campaign with 16 touchdowns to 10 interceptions. The fifth overall pick of the 2020 NFL Draft won six of his last seven starts to help the Dolphins finish 9-8.