Dolphins “not anticipated” to pursue Tom Brady

Not way back, we identified that signing with the Dolphins is “definitely on the table” for soon-to-be free agent Tom Brady. The sensation will not be mutual.

Extra precisely, it’s not “anticipated” to be mutual.

Adam Schefter of ESPN.com experiences that the Dolphins “are not expected” to pursue Brady, within the occasion he decides to play in 2023. Schefter provides, citing unnamed sources, that the Dolphins are “dedicated” to Tua Tagovailoa.

It’s unclear why Schefter needed to roll with unnamed sources for the proposition that the Dolphins are dedicated to Tua. The coach and the Normal Supervisor have said so publicly. (Additionally, Schefter reported two weeks in the past that Tua is “expected” to be the starter in 2023. Like Siena as soon as stated to Costanza, “I heard you the first time.”)

As we stated in response to the pro-Tua feedback from the crew, actions speak louder than words. In the event that they’re actually dedicated, choose up his fifth-year possibility. Or signal him to a long-term deal. Till a kind of issues occur, the dedication isn’t definitely worth the paper it’s not printed on.

5 weeks after struggling his newest concussion, Tua still isn’t cleared to play flag soccer, frolf, or no matter else the NFL plans to do that week in Las Vegas in lieu of two-hand contact in full pads. That appears to be an important information relating to Tua. How can they be actually dedicated to him till they know when/if he’ll be cleared to follow and play?

And whereas G.M. Chris Grier has pushed the concept Tua is no more susceptible than anyone else to getting one other concussion, the problem isn’t whether or not he’ll get one other concussion. It’s whether or not his subsequent concussion would be the one which retains him from ever getting cleared once more. Additionally, given his lack of measurement (relative to different quarterbacks), the query is whether or not he can defend himself in opposition to being thrown to the bottom and having his helmet strike the turf. That’s how he suffered every of his two (or three) concussions in 2022.

Schefter’s secure harbor — “not anticipated” — flows from the very actual chance that the Dolphins have determined to specific a transparent dedication to Tua till the second they determine to rescind stated dedication. Given the extent to which the potential arrival of Deshaun Watson left Tua discombobulated all through the primary half of 2021, the Dolphins don’t need him considering they might be transferring on from him, till they affirmatively determine to maneuver on from him.

That’s the way it typically goes within the NFL. A crew says it positively needs a participant till it not does. And when that occurs, the crew hardly ever will get dragged for the messages it beforehand unfold.

Particularly when the message intentionally comprises simply sufficient wiggle room, as the present message does.

And it is sensible to go away wiggle room. What occurs if Brady reaches out to the Dolphins and expresses curiosity in taking part in for the Dolphins? Will they are saying no? They misplaced a first-round choose final yr for lining up Brady and coach Sean Payton when each had been underneath contract with different groups.

That’s one more reason for the Dolphins to place out the phrase that they’re not “anticipated” to pursue Brady. Everyone knows that the pursuits occur earlier than free company begins. Brady is already trying to throw pre-emptive dirt on the inevitable tampering tracks. The very last thing the Dolphins need or want is to surrender one other first-round choose for speaking to Brady earlier than they’re allowed to take action.

So, certain, they’re “not anticipated” to pursue Brady. If/when Brady pursues them, which may be a really totally different story.

Report: Dolphins “not expected” to pursue Tom Brady initially appeared on Pro Football Talk