Saints Eye Tua Tagovailoa After Controversy in Dolphins Locker Room
By SportsBeat Staff | October 16, 2025
The New Orleans Saints are reportedly exploring the possibility of acquiring Miami Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa following a turbulent week of controversy in the Dolphins’ locker room.
According to insider Cameron Wolfe, tensions flared after the Dolphins’ 31-17 loss to the Los Angeles Chargers on Sunday, during which Tagovailoa publicly criticized several teammates for what he described as a lack of accountability and professionalism.
The fifth-year quarterback expressed frustration over recurring absences and tardiness at player-led meetings, an issue he claims has undermined team chemistry and preparation.
“Guys not showing up, guys coming in late — that’s not how a championship team operates,” Tagovailoa said postgame. “We talk about wanting to be great, but it starts with the little things. The commitment has to be there every day.”
The comments reportedly didn’t sit well with several Dolphins veterans, who felt the quarterback crossed a line by airing grievances publicly rather than handling them internally.
Multiple sources within the organization described the atmosphere in the locker room as “tense” following Tagovailoa’s remarks, with several players confronting him directly in a players-only meeting on Monday.
However, in a sign of possible reconciliation, Tagovailoa was seen offering apologies to teammates during Wednesday’s practice session. Speaking to the media afterward, he acknowledged the backlash and clarified his intent.
“I let my emotions get the better of me after a tough loss,” Tagovailoa said. “What I said came from a place of passion, but I could’ve handled it differently. I addressed it with the guys — we’re all competitors, and I respect every one of them.”
Despite the apparent resolution, the situation has raised questions about Tagovailoa’s long-term future in Miami. While the Dolphins front office has publicly stood behind their quarterback, several league executives believe the incident may accelerate internal discussions about his role beyond the 2025 season.
One team monitoring the situation closely is the New Orleans Saints. Sources tell SportsBeat that the Saints front office has expressed interest in exploring a potential trade for Tagovailoa should the Dolphins become open to moving him. With veteran Derek Carr underwhelming this season and no clear successor on the roster, New Orleans could view Tagovailoa as a high-upside acquisition to stabilize the quarterback position.
It remains unclear whether the Dolphins are seriously entertaining trade talks at this time. Tagovailoa, who is in the final year of his rookie deal, is expected to command significant interest across the league if made available.
For now, all eyes remain on Miami as the team looks to regroup amid internal friction and rising pressure in a highly competitive AFC East.