In 2024, the Miami Dolphins must deliver a noteworthy performance and secure a playoff spot at the very least if Mike McDaniel wishes to retain his position and continue developing the foundation he has established in South Beach. McDaniel, alongside GM Chris Grier, has assembled a skilled roster, yet the Dolphins have found it challenging to break through in the fiercely competitive AFC.

During his inaugural season at the helm in 2022, the Dolphins managed a (9-8) record, barely making it into the playoffs, only to be narrowly defeated by the Buffalo Bills in the Wildcard Round. In 2023, Miami seemed to take significant strides forward under McDaniel’s dynamic offense, concluding the regular season with an (11-6) record. However, they suffered a heavy loss to the Chiefs in the playoff Wildcard round, losing 26-7.

Most NFL analysts anticipated McDaniel’s team would continue its upward trajectory in 2024, possibly making a deep playoff run in the AFC. Contrary to expectations, the Dolphins regressed, ending with an (8-9) record and missing the postseason. McDaniel suddenly found himself transitioning from one of the brightest, innovative young coaches to being on the hot seat as he headed into 2025. Anything short of a playoff berth could result in the Dolphins overhauling their leadership by the season’s end.

A major concern for Miami is QB Tua Tagovailoa, who has demonstrated elite-level play at times but has also been inconsistent. The most concerning aspect of the Dolphins’ franchise quarterback is his injury history. Nonetheless, Grier and Miami’s management decided to offer Tagovailoa a four-year, $212.4 million contract extension, with $167.1 million guaranteed last July before the 2024 season began.

At the time, the $53.1 million-per-year extension ranked as the second-largest four-year deal in NFL history, slightly surpassing Jared Goff’s $53 million contract and trailing only the $55 million annual value of Jordan Love’s four-year agreement as well as Joe Burrow’s and Trevor Lawrence’s five-year contracts. Under McDaniel’s guidance in 2022 and 2023, Tagovailoa excelled, ranking second in the NFL for passing yards per attempt (8.5) and passer rating (102.9), fourth in total passing yards (8,172), and fifth in touchdown passes (54).

However, Tagovailoa’s injury history, particularly with concussions, is worrisome. He missed significant time in his first three NFL seasons due to concussions in several cases. In 2023, he demonstrated his potential and ability to stay healthy, leading the league with 4,624 passing yards while playing all 17 games. Yet, in 2024, Tagovailoa suffered another concussion, putting his NFL career in jeopardy. Although he only missed four games, the Dolphins’ offense plummeted to last in the league, and they lost all four games during his absence.

Even with the recent contract extension, questions about Tagovailoa’s future with the Dolphins persist. Amidst growing rumors linking Aaron Rodgers to the Minnesota Vikings, TWSN suggests Miami should consider trading for second-year QB JJ McCarthy as a replacement for Tagovailoa. McCarthy is an intriguing trade prospect due to his pro-ready abilities. He concluded his college career with 6,231 yards and 48 touchdowns over 481 completions, with only 11 interceptions.

McCarthy is adept at reading defenses, anticipating throws, navigating the pocket to extend plays, and making throws on the run outside the pocket. He also possesses strong leadership qualities, making him an ideal fit for a team like the Miami Dolphins. While Tagovailoa has been effective for Miami, it’s evident that changes are necessary as they’ve hit their peak with him. Tagovailoa often excels against weaker teams but struggles to consistently perform against top teams in crucial games.

His difficulty in executing big plays, particularly when asked to throw downfield, has resulted in more reckless throws, with six of his seven interceptions this season occurring on passes of 10 or more yards. With McCarthy, the Dolphins would gain a more efficient quarterback, reducing concerns about erratic play. McCarthy’s mobility also allows him to make plays outside the pocket and throw accurately off-platform. If the Dolphins wish to elevate their offense, McCarthy is the way forward. Meanwhile, the Vikings could benefit from acquiring draft capital in return.