Dolphins GM commits to Tua: 'He's our starting QB'

Despite an unconvincing rookie season, the Miami Dolphins are committing to Tua Tagovailoa as their starting quarterback.

"I'm very happy with Tua," general manager Chris Grier told reporters Tuesday, according to Barry Jackson of the Miami Herald. "He's our starting quarterback."

Tagovailoa took over the Dolphins' starting job in Week 8, but he was benched multiple times down the stretch in favor of veteran Ryan Fitzpatrick. The offense seemed to flow better under Fitzpatrick, who became a mentor to Tagovailoa once the Dolphins drafted him fifth overall.

The underwhelming early returns from Tagovailoa prompted speculation that Miami could draft another quarterback in 2021. The Dolphins own two first-round picks, including the No. 3 overall selection, which they acquired from the Houston Texans.

"We want to be clear: Tua is our starter and we are pleased with his development," Grier reiterated, according to NFL Network's Michael Giardi.

The Dolphins' outlook on Fitzpatrick is less certain. He'll become a free agent this offseason following two campaigns in Miami.

"Obviously Fitz, along with all the free agents, will be part of the conversation because we know them," head coach Brian Flores said, according to Omar Kelly of the South Florida Sun-Sentinel. "But those decisions, we're not going to sit here and say we might want to do this."

Flores also said he expects offensive coordinator Chan Gailey to return for a second season.

Miami went 10-6 in 2020, but a Week 17 loss to the Buffalo Bills ended the team's playoff hopes. Tagovailoa threw three interceptions in that final defeat.