The Dolphins will replace Tua Tagovailoa on short notice after the quarterback suffered the third official concussion of his career, but the next man up won’t be Tom Brady.
That’s according to ESPN’s Adam Schefter, who was quick to dismiss the idea that Miami might try to lure Brady out of retirement with no clear timeline for Tagovailoa’s injury.
“I know a lot of people have suggested that Tom Brady come out of retirement, but that’s not going to happen,” Schefter said on Sunday NFL Countdown.
Tagovailoa left the Dolphins’ game against the Bills on Thursday after resting his head on Damar Hamlin’s chest, and there is currently no set date for his return.
Some have even suggested the quarterback should retire, as he also suffered at least two concussions two seasons ago (and many believe he showed signs of a concussion in another 2022 game against the Bills).
Tom Brady, seen in Birmingham’s League One match against Birmingham, is unlikely to come out of retirement
QB Tua Tagovailoa’s timetable unclear after third official career concussion
However, NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport said Tagovailoa “has no plans to retire” and is meeting with concussion specialists.
In particular, the Dolphins attempted to recruit Brady to South Beach beginning in the 2019 season, and there were further contacts in 2021, according to an NFL investigation.
That plan, however, fell through after former Miami coach Brian Flores accused the team of urging him to manipulate and deliberately lose games, prompting the NFL to investigate.
The Dolphins were later docked a 2023 first-round pick and a 2024 third-round pick after the NFL found the team had “impermissible communications” with Brady when he was a member of the Patriots and then the Bucs.
Brady, along with Kevin Burkhardt, has kept busy as a commentator for Fox Sports.
The Dolphins signed Tyler Huntley from the Ravens’ practice squad on Monday, and Skylar Thompson could start this weekend.
Some have suggested the team should sign free agent Ryan Tannehill, who spent the first six years of his career in Miami and has 216 career touchdown passes.
Of course, Tagovailoa could also return relatively soon.
But one thing seems certain: Brady will not play center in Miami.