Former Dolphins Starter Has Direct Message for Tua Tagovailoa

September 8, 2026 - 20:17

The Miami Dolphins open their season on Sunday against the Las Vegas Raiders at Allegiant Stadium, and all eyes will be on the quarterback position. Malik Willis is set to lead the offense in his seventh career start, his first since signing a three-year, $67 million deal with Miami this offseason. The move signals a new chapter for the franchise, but it also closes the book on the Tua Tagovailoa era in South Florida.

Now, one of Tagovailoa's former teammates is speaking up. A former Dolphins starter delivered a pointed message to the quarterback who was traded away, making it clear that the locker room has moved on and that Willis has their full support. The message was simple: the team is focused on the future, not the past.

Tagovailoa, who spent several seasons as Miami's starter, will now watch from afar as Willis takes the reins. The former starter's comments suggest that while there is respect for what Tagovailoa did for the organization, the current roster is ready to build its own identity. The shift in leadership is a clear signal that the Dolphins are committed to a new direction, and the players are fully behind that change. Sunday's game will be the first real test of whether that confidence is well placed.