Dolphins HC Brian Flores On Hot Seat
The Dolphins are mired in a five-game losing streak, and their disappointing defeat at the hands of the Jaguars in London last week has led to plenty of speculation about head coach Brian Flores‘ future in Miami. According to Jason La Canfora of CBS Sports, Flores is indeed on the hot seat.
A 10-win effort in 2020 seemed to indicate that better days were ahead for the Fins, but Flores’ club has taken a major step back this year. Even last season, many players did not like Flores’ handling of then-rookie QB Tua Tagovailoa, who was yanked out of several games early in favor of veteran Ryan Fitzpatrick. Of course, winning can ease a lot of tension, and while Tagovailoa has not been benched in favor of backup Jacoby Brissett this season — either in-game or otherwise — the 1-5 start to the 2021 campaign has intensified other issues in the Dolphins’ locker room.
For instance, Flores reportedly has a difficult time connecting with his players, and the constant overhaul of his coaching staff has also led to consternation. Said one source with direct knowledge of the situation, “[t]here is a really negative vibe down there right now. A lot of players do not trust (Flores). Flo thinks he is a player’s coach, with an open-door policy, but I know a number of players who would tell you they don’t really think he is approachable enough, or flexible.”
Many coaches who come from the Bill Belichick coaching tree unsuccessfully attempt to replicate Belichick’s business-like approach with the Patriots, and Flores — who coached under Belichick in New England for 11 years — is apparently no exception. La Canfora’s source added, “[t]here is still too much of that New England (stuff) going on. It just doesn’t work. There is a psychology to handling players and building a team, and you have to be able to connect and motivate. That’s not the vibe there. It’s pretty bad.”
Dolphins owner Stephen Ross is concerned about the direction of his team, and he and Flores are rumored to be at odds over the potential acquisition of embattled passer Deshaun Watson. Obviously, Tagovailoa’s fate would be greatly impacted by a Watson deal, and while Flores has publicly endorsed Tagovailoa on several occasions, La Canfora says the third-year head coach and his staff have never really embraced the young southpaw.
If Miami is able to consummate a Watson trade, it does not sound like Tagovailoa would be part of the package heading back to Houston. La Canfora reports that clubs who have been connected to Tagovailoa in the past — a group that presumably includes the Texans — are not interested in acquiring him at this time.
Minor NFL Transactions: 10/23/21
Here is the run of Week 7 Saturday minor moves:
Arizona Cardinals
- Promoted: OL Danny Isidora, DL Josh Mauro, TE Ross Travis, LB Joe Walker; Chandler Jones remains on team’s reserve/COVID-19 list
Atlanta Falcons
- Promoted: LB Daren Bates, LB James Vaughters, CB Chris Williamson
Baltimore Ravens
- Promoted: T David Sharpe
Carolina Panthers
- Promoted: WR Keith Kirkwood, WR Aaron Parker
Chicago Bears
- Activated from reserve/COVID-19 list: RB Damien Williams
- Promoted: G Dieter Eiselen, DL Margus Hunt
Cincinnati Bengals
- Promoted: LB Joe Bachie
Detroit Lions
- Promoted: S Jalen Elliott, TE Brock Wright
Houston Texans
- Activated from IR: LB Kevin Pierre-Louis
- Promoted: OL Cole Toner
Kansas City Chiefs
- Promoted: LB Darius Harris, LB Christian Rozeboom
- Placed on IR: TE Jody Fortson
Las Vegas Raiders
- Promoted: TE Matt Bushman, LB Marquel Lee
- Placed on IR: TE Nick Bowers
Los Angeles Rams
- Promoted: TE Kendall Blanton
Miami Dolphins
- Promoted: WR Isaiah Ford, C Cameron Tom
- Waived: QB Reid Sinnett
New York Giants
- Promoted: DT David Moa, WR David Sills
New York Jets
- Promoted: LB Noah Dawkins
San Francisco 49ers
- Activated from IR: RB JaMycal Hasty
- Promoted: LB Tyrell Adams, TE Tanner Hudson, QB Nate Sudfeld
- Released: LB Mychal Kendricks
Tampa Bay Buccaneers
- Promoted: WR Cyril Grayson, TE Deon Yelder
Tennessee Titans
- Activated from IR: RB Darrynton Evans, DL Larrell Murchison
- Promoted: DB Chris Jones, WR Mason Kinsey
- Waived: RB Mekhi Sargent
Washington Football Team
- Promoted: WR Antonio Gandy-Golden, C Keith Ismael, DE Bunmi Rotimi
Eagles, Panthers Not Serious Deshaun Watson Suitors
If the Texans are serious about unloading Deshaun Watson before this year’s trade deadline, they may be down to one interested suitor. The Dolphins appear to be bidding against themselves for the embattled quarterback, Jonathan Jones of CBS Sports notes.
In addition to Watson’s off-field trouble, his no-trade clause limits the Texans. Watson is not believed to be interested in being dealt to Philadelphia, Jones adds, while Carolina’s interest cooled months ago. Indeed, the Texans’ conversations with the Panthers did not get far, Joe Person of The Athletic notes (subscription required).
[RELATED: Dolphins, Texans Talking Watson Trade]
The Panthers were perhaps the most interested Watson suitor before his off-field issues surfaced. Once the 22 accusations of sexual assault and/or sexual misconduct became tied to his future, the Dolphins have been the only team connected. Despite Brian Flores continuing to indicate confidence in Tua Tagovailoa, owner Stephen Ross‘ interest in Watson has complicated Miami’s quarterback situation. If Watson is to be dealt before this year’s Nov. 2 deadline, the Ross component would seemingly be what drives such a transaction.
The Carolina and Philadelphia conversations getting out this week may be a last-ditch Houston effort to push Miami to up its offer. The Texans set a historically high asking price for their talented quarterback — three first-rounders and two seconds. But with the Dolphins being the lone team expressing true interest, that stands to drive down the price. That is, unless the Texans are willing to table a trade until 2022.
It would seem that is Houston’s best chance at receiving full value for Watson, whose off-field troubles obviously have a better chance of being resolved by next season. The Texans have deactivated Watson for six games. Doing so for 11 more, thus erasing the QB’s age-26 season, and regrouping for a 2022 sweepstakes — when more teams figure to be in the mix — would make sense. The Texans having that card to play could induce the Dolphins to increase their offer now.
If the Dolphins are to acquire Watson now, the NFL may be forced to act regarding the commissioner’s exempt list. While the 81-year-old Ross is believed to be in win-now mode, the Dolphins — at 1-5 — are unlikely to contend this season. A move before Nov. 2 may be about landing Watson for 2022 and beyond, Jones offers, though a suspension next season likely looms.
Brian Flores: ‘Tua Is Our Quarterback’
The latest run of Deshaun Watson-to-Miami rumors has prompted Brian Flores to once again throw his support behind incumbent Tua Tagovailoa. Friday, the third-year Dolphins coach offered the latest such endorsement.
“Tua is our quarterback. I’m happy with our quarterback,” Flores said, adding that the second-year passer still has a chance to become a great NFL QB (via ESPN’s Marcel Louis-Jacques, on Twitter). “I don’t really get into rumors. We’re happy with our quarterback situation, and I’ll leave it at that.”
Linked to the Dolphins before the civil and criminal matters encircled him this offseason, Watson is believed to be on board with a trade to Miami — should one materialize. And the three-time Pro Bowler once again became a Dolphins talking point after a preseason report of Stephen Ross being willing to roll the dice on the embattled Texans passer surfaced. This week, word emerged the Texans and Dolphins are once again discussing a deal. Naturally, Tagovailoa’s status has come up again.
Coming into the NFL after a severe hip injury, Tagovailoa suffered broken ribs early this season but returned last week. The second-year southpaw missed the minimum three games while on IR and threw for 329 yards while completing 70% of his passes in Miami’s loss to Jacksonville in London. But the Watson rumors continue to overshadow his career. Some in the Dolphins organization are expressing doubt about Tagovailoa, leading to stronger connections to Watson.
Of course, the decision to trade for Watson would be above Flores’ paygrade. Ross would ultimately give the green light in this case, and while such a move would be somewhat controversial and obviously risky given Watson’s status, the Dolphins would upgrade considerably at quarterback. This would result in the team bailing on Tagovailoa quickly, however, and giving up considerable draft capital to do so.
A trade would also prove interesting for the Dolphins, given their 1-5 record. But a Watson deal would be a play for the Dolphins’ future, which is suddenly looking cloudy after the team’s 10-6 showing in 2020. Unless Watson is dealt to another team, rumors about Tua’s status will continue until the Nov. 2 trade deadline.
Latest On Dolphins, Deshaun Watson
The Dolphins are operating in “win now” mode, according to sources who spoke with Tony Pauline of ProFootballNetwork. Meanwhile, some in the front office are doubtful that Tua Tagovailoa is the answer at quarterback, further fueling their push for Texans QB Deshaun Watson. 
Dolphins execs can’t help but compare Tagovailoa’s performance to that of Justin Herbert, who has his Chargers off to a 4-2 start. Head coach Brian Flores and GM Chris Grier have reportedly tried to pump the breaks on Watson discussions, but owner Stephen Ross wants results and both men find themselves on the hot seat.
The reported asking price — three first-rounders and two second-round picks — is undoubtedly steep, especially since Watson could be suspended by the commissioner’s office as soon as he’s traded. Still, Ross’ win-now directive means that the team is not all that concerned about its future draft capital. Ross seems ready to do whatever it takes, even if that means an enormous gamble on Watson.
The Eagles and Panthers have also chatted with the Texans, though the timing of those talks is unclear. For what it’s worth, Darnold has cooled significantly, throwing six interceptions across three-straight Panthers losses. Meanwhile, the Birds are 2-4 with Jalen Hurts throwing for eight TDs against four INTs.
The Dolphins may or may not have competition, but the clock is ticking either way. If they can’t get a deal done by November 2nd, they’ll have to wait until next year for a shot at Watson.
Texans Talked Deshaun Watson Trades With Eagles, Panthers
We heard earlier today that the Dolphins were in serious talks with the Texans about a trade for quarterback Deshaun Watson, but they’re certainly not the only suitor. Jeff Howe and Aaron Reiss of The Athletic report that the Texans have also talked trade with the Eagles and Panthers.
This isn’t the first time these two teams have been connected to Watson. The Panthers were mentioned as a potential landing spot early in the offseason, but it was assumed their interest had cooled following the acquisition of Sam Darnold. Following a hot start to the season, Darnold has thrown six interceptions in three-straight Panthers losses. It’s uncertain when the Panthers spoke with the Texans, but it’d make sense if the front office is starting to (once again) rethink their status at QB.
The Eagles have continually been connected to Watson, even through the start of the season. While heard recently that Philly wasn’t in contention for the QB, it’s been a common theme for the Eagles to alternate interest and non-interest in the Texans signal-caller. Former second-round pick Jalen Hurts continues to start for the Eagles, and he’s tossed eight touchdowns vs. only four interceptions despite a 2-4 start.
Meanwhile, Howe and Reiss have additional details on Miami’s interest in Watson, noting that a deal doesn’t appear to be imminent. A few sources told The Athletic that it’s common for “teams to drum up interest in a player” prior to the deadline, so this could ultimately just be an effort from the Texans.
So far, Texans GM Nick Caserio has warded off suitors with a skyhigh asking price — three first-rounders and two second-round picks (or, two starting-caliber players). He’s also been unwilling to accept conditional choices tied to Watson’s availability, but it’s possible that he’ll bend in order to stock up for the 2022 draft and move on from the Watson mess.
Dolphins, Texans Talking Deshaun Watson Trade
The Dolphins could complete a trade for Deshaun Watson as soon as this week, according to John McClain of the Houston Chronicle. The deadline isn’t until November 2nd, but the Dolphins are aiming to land the quarterback even sooner. 
[RELATED: Saints Interested In Watson?]
There’s been conflicting word on the Dolphins’ level of interest in Watson, but owner Stephen Ross seems willing to bring the embattled QB to South Beach. Meanwhile, the ‘Fins have an increased sense of urgency after dropping their fifth straight game to the previously winless Jaguars.
So far, Texans GM Nick Caserio has warded off suitors with a skyhigh asking price — three first-rounders and two second-round picks (or, two starting-caliber players). He’s also been unwilling to accept conditional choices tied to Watson’s availability, but it’s possible that he’ll bend in order to stock up for the 2022 draft and move on from the Watson mess.
Watson has a no-trade clause, but he’d happily accept a trade to Miami. The Saints have also been rumored as a dark horse candidate for Watson, but they don’t seem as motivated as the Dolphins.
If the deal goes down, Watson will have an opportunity to face his former club on November 7th.
NFL Practice Squad Updates: 10/19/21
Today’s taxi squad moves:
Arizona Cardinals
- Signed: DE Josh Mauro
Baltimore Ravens
- Signed: LB Joe Thomas
- Released: LB Chris Williams
Carolina Panthers
- Signed: RB Reggie Bonnafon
Chicago Bears
- Signed: RB Chris Thompson
Dallas Cowboys
- Released: CB Isaiah Johnson
Green Bay Packers
- Signed: LB Aaron Adeoye
Houston Texans
- Signed: LB Connor Strachan
Indianapolis Colts
- Placed on IR: S Jordan Lucas, CB Marvell Tell
Kansas City Chiefs
- Signed: LB Shilique Calhoun
Miami Dolphins
- Signed: LB Vince Biegel
- Released: LB Shaquem Griffin
New England Patriots
- Signed: K Riley Patterson
New Orleans Saints
- Signed: LB Lakiem Williams
New York Giants
- Signed: G Derrick Kelly, WR Travis Toivonen
Tampa Bay Buccaneers
- Signed: WR Jaydon Mickens
Washington Football Team
- Signed: K Chris Blewitt, LB De’Jon Harris
- Released: WR Kelvin Harman, CB Cole Luke
Dolphins Activate QB Tua Tagovailoa Off IR
Tua Tagovailoa is officially back. The Dolphins have activated the quarterback off injured reserve. While Michael David Smith of ProFootballTalk.com observes that Tagovailoa is listed as questionable, Ian Rapoport of NFL Network tweets that the QB will start tomorrow in London.
Tua hasn’t played since suffering a rib injury during Miami’s Week 2 loss to the Bills. He was placed on IR in late September, and he was designated to return from IR earlier this week. While the QB got a week of practice under his belt, it was still uncertain if the organization would fly the former first-round pick across the Atlantic Ocean in order to play the winless Jaguars in London tomorrow. Ultimately, it sounds like Tagovailoa will be under center for his squad at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.
The former fifth-overall pick started nine of his 10 games last season, completing 64.1-percent of his passes for 1,814 yards, 11 touchdowns, and only five interceptions. He also added another 109 yards and three touchdowns on the ground. He threw a touchdown and rushed for another during the Dolphins’ Week 1 victory over the Patriots, and he completed one of his four pass attempts in Week 2 before exiting.
Jacoby Brissett has been filling in as the starting QB in Tua’s absence, throwing four touchdowns in three starts.
The Dolphins made two additional moves this morning, promoting wideouts Isaiah Ford and Kirk Merritt from the practice squad.
Dolphins Designate QB Tua Tagovailoa For Return
Tua Tagovailoa is another step closer to returning. The Dolphins QB was designated for return from IR today, according to ESPN’s Field Yates (via Twitter).
Tagovailoa suffered a rib injury during Miami’s Week 2 loss to the Bills, and he was placed on injured reserve in late September. This meant the QB would be eligible to return in time for the Dolphins game against the Jaguars on Sunday morning.
Of course, just because Tua returned to practice, it doesn’t necessarily mean he’ll be on the field this weekend. It remains to be seen if Tagovailoa will travel to London with his squad, and even then, he’d need the team to trust that he’s healthy enough to start. We heard earlier this week that the QB would be “ready” to play, so we’ll see if he gets his way.
The former fifth-overall pick started nine of his 10 games last season, completing 64.1-percent of his passes for 1,814 yards, 11 touchdowns, and only five interceptions. He also added another 109 yards and three touchdowns on the ground. He threw a touchdown and rushed for another during the Dolphins’ Week 1 victory over the Patriots, and he completed one of his four pass attempts in Week 2 before exiting.
As long as Tagovailoa is out of the lineup, Jacoby Brissett will continue under center for the Dolphins.