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Tua Tagovailoa

Miami Dolphins remain firm on its stance with Tua Tagovailoa as its quarterback, per report

Tua Tagovailoa runs off the field against the Lions
Junfu Han / USA TODAY NETWORK

Tua Tagovailoa is not leaving South Florida this off-season.

He has had issues with injuries in the first three years of his young professional career, but the Miami Dolphins are behind Tagovailoa as its starting quarterback for next fall. The organization believes the native Hawaiian can maintain his health going forward and will stay on the field longer. Tagovailoa is learning “judo” and “jiu-jitsu” to learn how to fall and protect himself.

RELATED: Dolphins GM admits he still has concerns about Tua Tagovailoa’s durability

He was at his best last season when he was healthy.

Tagovailoa posted a career-high 3,548 passing yards and 25 passing touchdowns. He secured an NFL-best 105.5 passer rating and was in the conversation for the league’s Most Valuable Player until he started having problems with concussions.

Miami has until May 2 to pick up the fifth-year option on Tagovailoa’s rookie contract, but head coach Mike McDaniel is sold on him. Jeff Darlington, an ESPN reporter, stated the Dolphins did not pursue Lamar Jackson. Jackson got signed to a non-exclusive tag by the Baltimore Ravens, which means any team that could pay the Ravens more for Jackson can get him.

Tagovailoa defeated Jackson in the regular season with career highs for passing yards (469) and touchdowns (six) in a 42-38 victory. Darlington said — citing sources — that McDaniel believes Tagovailoa is the ‘perfect fit’ for his system.

A healthy Tagovailoa would have had Miami deep in the playoffs in 2022.

We will see if the former Alabama signal-caller can remain on the field next season.

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Stephen M. Smith is the managing editor and senior writer for Touchdown Alabama Magazine.  You can “like” him on Facebook or “follow” him on Twitter, via @CoachingMSmith.

Stephen Smith is a 2015 graduate of the University of Alabama. He is a senior writer and reporter for Touchdown Alabama Magazine. He has covered Alabama football for 15 years and his knowledge and coverage of the Crimson Tide's program have made him among the most respected journalist in his field. Smith has been featured on ESPN and several other marquee outlets as an analyst.

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