Is Tom Brady going to the Miami Dolphins? How Tua Tagovailoa's concussion treatment might play a key role

The rumors have begun as Tom Brady prepares for a vital Wild Card game against the Dallas Cowboys. Many reports have linked the Tampa Bay Buccaneers QB to the Miami Dolphins. If he signs with Miami this offseason, he will replace their current starter Tua Tagovailoa.

This feels like deja vu. Brady was strongly linked to the Dolphins last offseason. But a lawsuit by former Dolphins head coach Brian Flores allegedly halted the plan. But less than a year later, the Miami Dolphins are back in the mix for Tom Brady.

How Tua Tagovailoa's concussion treatment might play a role

Tua Tagovailoa is currently the starting quarterback for the Miami Dolphins. The former Alabama Crimson Tide alum was drafted by the Dolphins as the tenth overall pick in the 2020 NFL Draft. He has been a starter ever since.

Tagovailoa started the season on a positive note. At one point, the Dolphins had a 8-3 record and were first in the AFC East. He was in the MVP conversation. Unfortunately, he suffered back-to-back concussions before the Dolphins' bye week. To make matters worse, he suffered another concussion in a loss against the Green Bay Packers on December 25.

He wasn't able to participate in the Dolphins' Wild Card game against the Buffalo Bills this past weekend. The Dolphins lost 34-31 and were eliminated from the playoffs.

Tua Tagovailoa is a very talented QB; there's no denying that. However, the best asset for an NFL team is availability. The third-year Pro hasn't been able to stay healthy on a consistent basis. Moreover, some armchair physicians have advised him to retire following three concussions this season.

Despite all this, Miami Dolphins head coach Mike McDaniel has expressed his faith in Tua Tagovailoa. Following the Dolphins' loss to the Buffalo Bills, McDaniel said:

"We all see Tua as the leader of this team. He is a great young player. I spent six months trying to convince people that he was good. This is a trying time. His health is of primary importance. I would be a fool not to embrace him when he is healthy and ready to go."

The coach has spoken. As long as he remains the coach of the Dolphins, it's hard to see them with another QB aside from Tua Tagovailoa next season. But who knows, maybe the Dolphins' front office has a trick up their sleeve.

Has Tom Brady said anything about the speculation?

As aforementioned, Tom Brady is preparing for a playoff game against the Dallas Cowboys. So it's unlikely he'll be focusing on the speculation. The legendary quarterback had this to say about the incessant rumors going on about his future.

“I don’t know. ...You guys got to write something new every day, so just wake up and try to show up for my job," said TB12 in a press conference ahead of the Dallas matchup.

It's fair to say that Tom Brady to the Miami Dolphins is only speculation. Even though that might change in a hurry.

How do Tom Brady and Tua Tagovailoa's stats compare?

Tom Brady and Tua Tagovailoa put up similar numbers this season. The Tampa Bay Buccaneers' QB amassed 4,694 passing yards, 25 touchdowns, and nine interceptions. Tagovailoa posted 3,548 passing yards, 25 touchdowns, and eight interceptions.They are more similar than you think.

It will be a very interesting offseason for the Miami Dolphins.