Miami Dolphins Predicted to Replace Tua Tagovailoa with 155-Touchdown Left-Handed Quarterback
As the NFL gears up for another off-season of moves and decisions, the Miami Dolphins find themselves at a crossroads with their quarterback position. Despite a promising start under Tua Tagovailoa, the Dolphins are reportedly considering a significant change. There has been speculation that the Dolphins could be looking to replace the oft-injured Tagovailoa with a new face under center, and one of the most intriguing names being floated is Dillon Gabriel, a left-handed quarterback with a remarkable college career that includes 155 career touchdowns. This bold move could have profound implications for the franchise’s future, and the decision could alter the trajectory of the team for years to come.
The Case for Tua Tagovailoa: Injuries and Inconsistency
Tua Tagovailoa’s journey as the Miami Dolphins’ starting quarterback has been filled with highs and lows. Coming out of Alabama as a highly touted prospect, Tagovailoa was expected to bring stability and success to the quarterback position for the Dolphins. His first couple of seasons showed flashes of brilliance, especially when he was able to stay healthy. However, injuries, particularly concussions and nagging ailments, have kept him from reaching his full potential.
Tua has missed games due to injury in several seasons, and his most recent concussion in the 2024 NFL season raised more concerns about his long-term viability as the franchise’s leader. The Dolphins’ front office has expressed support for Tagovailoa, but it’s clear that they are facing a dilemma. With a roster built to compete for a playoff spot, Miami cannot afford to have a quarterback who struggles to stay healthy or who has limitations in certain areas of his game.
While Tua has shown moments of brilliance with his accuracy, timing, and leadership, there are ongoing questions about his ability to elevate the Dolphins in key moments. His lack of consistency in the passing game, particularly in high-pressure situations, has left fans and analysts wondering if he can lead the team to an NFL championship.
Moreover, Tagovailoa’s mobility and deep-ball accuracy have often been criticized. While he is accurate in the short-to-medium range, Tua struggles to stretch the field with his arm, something that has hurt the Dolphins’ offense at times. As the NFL becomes more and more reliant on explosive plays, Miami may feel the need for a quarterback who can command all aspects of the game.
Enter Dillon Gabriel: The Left-Handed QB with a Strong Track Record
The name being frequently associated with a potential quarterback change in Miami is Dillon Gabriel, the left-handed signal-caller who has made a name for himself during his college football career. Gabriel played for the University of Central Florida (UCF) before transferring to a prominent program for his final season. With an impressive 155 career touchdowns, Gabriel has shown the kind of explosive potential that could provide a major boost to Miami’s offense.
Gabriel’s playing style is a unique blend of athleticism and arm strength. Despite being left-handed, a trait that often makes it more difficult for quarterbacks to succeed in the NFL, Gabriel has excelled in college with a quick release, solid pocket awareness, and the ability to make throws on the run. His mobility adds another layer to his game, as he can create plays with his legs when needed, similar to other modern-day quarterbacks like Lamar Jackson and Patrick Mahomes.
One of Gabriel’s greatest strengths is his ability to read defenses and adjust his game accordingly. In college, he consistently demonstrated an ability to throw the ball with velocity and precision to all levels of the field, from quick slants to deep bombs. His experience with fast-paced offenses will be an asset for Miami as they continue to build on their own high-tempo system. Gabriel has the potential to push the ball down the field and give the Dolphins’ receiving corps—led by stars like Tyreek Hill and Jaylen Waddle—a chance to maximize their potential.
The Dolphins have long been in search of a quarterback who can take full advantage of their dynamic skill players, and Gabriel, with his diverse skill set, seems like a good fit. His left-handed throwing motion may even present some challenges for opposing defenses, giving Miami an edge in terms of offensive unpredictability.
The Pros and Cons of Moving On from Tua
As Miami considers the possibility of moving on from Tua Tagovailoa in favor of Dillon Gabriel, several factors need to be weighed. One of the biggest pros of making this switch is the potential for a higher ceiling in terms of both offensive explosiveness and long-term durability. If Gabriel can stay healthy, he could provide Miami with the consistency and dynamic playmaking ability they need to compete for a Super Bowl.
However, there are risks involved with moving on from Tagovailoa, who has proven that he can lead a high-powered offense when healthy. Tua’s familiarity with Miami’s offensive system, coaching staff, and players would be difficult to replace, and there’s no guarantee that Gabriel would immediately adapt to the professional level. Transitioning from college football to the NFL can be a difficult adjustment, even for highly-touted quarterbacks.
Additionally, Tua has shown flashes of elite potential, including his ability to connect with deep-ball specialists like Tyreek Hill. A new quarterback, no matter how promising, could take time to develop chemistry with his teammates and fully grasp the complexities of the NFL game.
The Dolphins’ Window for a Super Bowl
Another key consideration for Miami is their current window of opportunity for a Super Bowl run. With a talented roster that includes one of the NFL’s best receiving duos in Hill and Waddle, the Dolphins are in a prime position to contend for a championship. The team’s defense, led by playmakers like Xavien Howard and Jaelan Phillips, is also solid, and their offensive line has improved in recent seasons.
If the Dolphins are serious about competing for a Super Bowl in the near future, they need a quarterback who can consistently perform at a high level, particularly in the postseason. Tua’s injuries and occasional inconsistencies have led to questions about whether he can be that guy. Gabriel’s track record of success in college and his potential for growth in the NFL may offer Miami a more reliable option for the future.
At the same time, making a quarterback change in the middle of a Super Bowl window is risky. Teams that are this close to a championship need stability, and inserting a rookie or inexperienced quarterback into the mix could potentially derail the team’s championship aspirations. It’s a delicate balancing act that the Dolphins’ front office must carefully navigate.
Gabriel’s Fit in Miami’s Offense
In terms of offensive fit, Dillon Gabriel offers several strengths that align with Miami’s high-tempo, pass-heavy system. His ability to throw with accuracy and velocity on all levels of the field would complement the speed and route-running ability of Hill and Waddle, creating a nightmare matchup for opposing defenses.
Gabriel’s dual-threat ability, while not as explosive as some of the top rushing quarterbacks in the league, provides an added dimension to the Dolphins’ offense. His mobility would allow him to extend plays and add another layer to the offense’s unpredictability. In a division that features strong defenses like those of the Buffalo Bills and New England Patriots, Gabriel’s ability to create on the move could give Miami a distinct advantage.
The Dolphins’ Future at Quarterback
Whether or not the Dolphins will ultimately move on from Tua Tagovailoa and replace him with Dillon Gabriel remains to be seen. The decision will depend on several factors, including Tua’s health status, his performance during the remainder of the 2025 season, and the Dolphins’ evaluation of Gabriel’s potential at the professional level.
If the Dolphins decide to make a change, Gabriel’s left-handed skill set could bring a new level of excitement and unpredictability to the offense. It could also signal the beginning of a new era in Miami, one where the team is able to find stability and consistency at the quarterback position for the first time in years.
The road to a Super Bowl is long and filled with obstacles, but with the right quarterback, Miami could find itself at the top of the AFC sooner rather than later. Whether it’s with Tua Tagovailoa or Dillon Gabriel under center, the Dolphins will need to make the right call if they hope to capture the NFL’s ultimate prize.
This article has touched on the possibility of a quarterback change for the Miami Dolphins, offering an in-depth analysis of Tua Tagovailoa’s career, Dillon Gabriel’s potential, and the implications of such a move.