Tua Tagovailoa’s time with the Miami Dolphins has defined an era of both promise and uncertainty, setting up pivotal decisions. Miami reached the playoffs in 2022 and 2023, but injuries continued to disrupt his availability, including the 2023 Wild Card loss to the Bills. Now, the franchise appears ready to move on and could look for his replacement in next month’s draft. It would be a major turning point for the team.
Dolphins Projected to Select LSU’s Garrett Nussmeier to Replace Tua Tagovailoa
Tagovailoa completed 260-of-384 passes for 2,660 yards with 20 touchdowns and 15 interceptions, earning a PFSN QB Impact grade of 72.2, good for a C-, 27th in the league, so the need to move seems obvious.
One intriguing prospect is LSU quarterback Garrett Nussmeier.
Nussmeier and the Tigers underperformed in 2025 despite high preseason hopes. Nussmeier completed 194 of 288 passes (67.4%) for 1,927 yards, 12 touchdowns, and five interceptions. As a junior, he threw for 4,052 yards and 29 touchdowns. His PFSN QB Impact grade last season was 75.9 (C), ranking 110th nationally. In his career, he went 660-of-1,032 (64.0%) for 7,699 yards with 52 passing touchdowns (five rushing TDs) and 24 interceptions.
Despite these numbers, Nussmeier remains polarizing. Once a projected first-round pick, he was recently viewed as a fringe first-rounder and now looks like a late-day two or even a Day 3 pick.
Reflecting this draft outlook, PFSN’s Cameron Sheath projects the Dolphins to select Nussmeier in the third round with the 90th pick. With five picks in the first 90, it would be surprising if they don’t at least take a flyer on a quarterback.
At the NFL Combine, Nussmeier explained that a season-long injury was a big reason for his struggles.
Nussmeier reported experiencing a “stabbing pain” in his abdomen when passing, which began early in the season and lingered throughout. When asked if the injury had any effect on him, Nussmeier said, “It was pretty evident. I really wasn’t able to throw the football. I had a stabbing pain in my ab every time I went to throw the ball.”
According to Nussmeier, the injury happened on Day 2 of fall camp. The Tigers didn’t pinpoint the issue until two months ago. “It was a frustrating deal,” Nussmeier said. “It was just a rare deal, and we really didn’t figure out what it was until two months ago.”
If the Dolphins draft Nussmeier, Sheath projects supporting him with Ohio State wide receiver Carnell Tate at pick 11 after Tyreek Hill’s release. This signals a clear offensive reset.
Garrett Nussmeier Scouting Report
In terms of quantitative evaluation, PFSN Prospect Metrics has him graded at 78.33, ranking him 204th overall on the board.
PFSN’s scouting report for Nussmeier states: “Garrett Nussmeier is one of the most polarizing QB prospects in the 2026 NFL Draft. In 2025, he was benched down the stretch. At 6’1″, 200 pounds, he’s not a prototypical QB. He lacks elite athleticism or creation ability. His arm is middling.”
“But in spite of these limiting elements, there’s no denying his gamer mentality. Defying his frame, Nussmeier isn’t afraid to stand in and deliver tough throws under pressure, nor is he scared of getting out in the flats and operating off-platform. He’s also one of the most advanced processors in the class, with moments of high-level pre-snap command, anticipation, and gunslinger grit on film.”
“The ‘gunslinger’ moniker swings both ways for Nussmeier, who is prone to taking ill-advised risks more often than preferred, and his accuracy did not progress in 2025. With average tools, his margin for error is slimmer, and this likely relegates to a backup and spot-starter role in the NFL. That said, with the right support and time to reset, he has the requisite mental acuity, and could carve out a career similar to Andy Dalton at his best.”
If Nussmeier is fully recovered and resembles his 2024 form, the Dolphins could secure a high-upside quarterback in the upcoming draft. This would support their shift in offensive leadership.
