This week’s edition of the PFR mailbag covers questions regarding Tua Tagovailoa‘s future in Miami, the probabilities of playoff-bound coaches being fired, George Pickens‘ contract outlook and the Browns’ quarterback setup.
Rick asks:
Is that this the tip of Tua time in Miami? He padded his stats at the tip of [Monday] night’s game, but that was bizarre to look at. As Aikman said repeatedly, there was zero urgency despite the fact that the team was playing for the postseason. Could something else be occurring to steer to such an odd performance on the massive stage?
This query got here amidst the report Tagovailoa could be benched for Week 16, which has since been confirmed. Head coach Mike McDaniel opened the door to such a move in his postgame remarks.
I wouldn’t have predicted a benching heading into Monday’s game, but based on McDaniel’s comments it didn’t entirely come as a surprise. I don’t think anything specific was a significant component in the best way Miami’s offense and Tagovailoa himself played. He’s healthy, in any case, and it’s well documented how the Dolphins struggle in cold conditions. The Steelers have also not lost at home on Monday night since well before the beginning of the Mike Tomlin era.
This week’s edition of the PFR mailbag covers questions regarding Tua Tagovailoa‘s future in Miami, the probabilities of playoff-bound coaches being fired, George Pickens‘ contract outlook and the Browns’ quarterback setup.
Rick asks:
Is that this the tip of Tua time in Miami? He padded his stats at the tip of [Monday] night’s game, but that was bizarre to look at. As Aikman said repeatedly, there was zero urgency despite the fact that the team was playing for the postseason. Could something else be occurring to steer to such an odd performance on the massive stage?
This query got here amidst the report Tagovailoa could be benched for Week 16, which has since been confirmed. Head coach Mike McDaniel opened the door to such a move in his postgame remarks.
I wouldn’t have predicted a benching heading into Monday’s game, but based on McDaniel’s comments it didn’t entirely come as a surprise. I don’t think anything specific was a significant component in the best way Miami’s offense and Tagovailoa himself played. He’s healthy, in any case, and it’s well documented how the Dolphins struggle in cold conditions. The Steelers have also not lost at home on Monday night since well before the beginning of the Mike Tomlin era.
Given what we all know now, though, it’s fair to wonder if the specter of losing the QB1 gig (a minimum of for a transient period) has played a job in Tua’s overall performances in 2025. Miami’s GM firing has been followed by questions on further changes being on tap. That might thoroughly include replacing McDaniel, whose fate is – understandably – considered directly tied to the passer he once found success with.
On that note, I believe the potential of Tagovailoa having played his last Dolphins snap has increased substantially over the course of the season. He leads the NFL in interceptions, and even a resurgence in Miami’s rushing attack hasn’t helped the team sustain consistent success within the passing game. Add in an absence of playoff success in the course of the Tagovailoa era (since 2020) – though, Tua is the primary QB to guide the Dolphins to 2 playoff berths since Jay Fiedler (2000-01), even when Tua missed the 2022 wild-card game – and it’s easy to see the appeal of starting over on the position this spring.
Zach Wilson shouldn’t be seen as a franchise passer, and as much as Quinn Ewers slid further than he must have in last yr’s draft, it will be unwise to assume he can turn into one on the NFL level. Trading away Tagovailoa would create the necessity for a brand new No. 1 under center, but even when evaluated in a vacuum his play has not been ok for a robust market to emerge.
In fact, there’s also the financial element to contemplate on this case. Tua is already owed $54MM guaranteed for next yr, a figure no team goes to tackle in a trade. Even when the Dolphins retain a big portion of that figure, the market of suitors will little doubt be limited. Teams in need of a brand new starter (or a minimum of competition) for 2026 but not in line for a top-five draft pick – equivalent to the Steelers and Vikings – may show interest under the proper circumstances. Otherwise, I’d agree cutting Tagovailoa shall be something to look at for in Miami’s case this spring.
Jason asks:
Of the teams positioned to make the playoffs, do you see a scenario where a coach firing could happen should the team underperform in January?
Let’s start by listing the coaches who must be presumed secure regardless of how their teams fare within the postseason. Most from each conference fit the bill, in my mind.
Within the NFC, Sean McVay (Rams), Kyle Shanahan (49ers) and Mike Macdonald (Seahawks) have each done well in 2025, to say the least. Shanahan specifically navigating his team’s injuries has been quite impressive. I’d add Ben Johnson and – if applicable – Dave Canales (Panthers) together with Dan Campbell (Lions) to the list of coaches who mustn’t be on the recent seat even within the event of a one-and-done come the playoffs.
Within the AFC, Sean Payton (Broncos), Mike Vrabel (Patriots), Jim Harbaugh (Chargers), Liam Coen (Jaguars) and DeMeco Ryans (Texans) have each met or exceeded my expectations for the yr. Coen – based on Jacksonville’s previous shortcomings – and Harbaugh – with the Bolts suffering so many key injuries on offense – specifically have boosted their stock. That also leaves several candidates for a firing in my mind, though.
The highest of the list may thoroughly be Todd Bowles. The Buccaneers are going to either miss the playoffs (which can leave his seat even hotter) or barely win the NFC South and thus arrange a difficult matchup against a popular wild-card team. Going out briefly order wouldn’t come as a significant surprise at that time, and that can result in reasonable questions on a change. I’m undecided if Bowles signing an extension this past offseason could be enough to avoid wasting his job depending on how the subsequent month goes.
The Eagles have been rife with controversy once more in 2025, so that ought to leave Nick Sirianni on the list of candidates to get replaced. Philadelphia moved on from Doug Pederson three seasons after his Super Bowl title. It could be different to fireside Sirianni only one yr faraway from his own, but his job security was a talking point last yr and lots of the internal issues which appear to be commonplace on his watch have continued through 2025. As much as it will surprise me to an extent (especially with Micah Parsons done for the yr), Matt LaFleur could also potentially be in peril if the Packers bow out early again. 
As for the AFC, Mike Tomlin and John Harbaugh find themselves in familiar situations. They’ve done enough to maintain the Steelers and Ravens, respectively, in contention for top spot within the AFC North while also leaving plenty to be desired this season. Tomlin’s contract will turn into the topic of speculation this offseason, but he and Harbaugh essentially have lifetime agreements from ownership. Stepping aside – moderately than being fired – would likely be needed in either case for a change to be made, something which each fanbases would (reasonably, in my opinion) welcome.
The Bills are still in contention for the division, but I do wonder if one other poor defensive outing within the playoffs could leave Sean McDermott an uncertain position. That is Josh Allen’s seventh full season as a starter, and Buffalo has yet to succeed in a Super Bowl. If that is still the case through this yr, it may very well be fair to wonder if making a change with Allen still in his prime could be worthwhile.
Joseph asks:
What are the George Pickens contract expectations considering his poor recent performances?
The franchise tag has been mentioned several times already as a definite possibility for Pickens. The Cowboys don’t appear to have a difficulty with using it on this case, which is smart on various fronts.
Dallas has found success with tagging various high-profile players through the years, and it hasn’t stopped long-term deals from being worked out down the road. For Pickens specifically, a dip in production – should it proceed over the subsequent three games – would also lend credence to the considered tagging him and waiting to see how that plays out in 2026 before making an extended commitment. In fact, Pickens wouldn’t be thrilled a few situation like that, but I don’t see a tag-and-trade move being feasible.
Pickens has recorded 37 or fewer receiving yards 3 times this season: Week 1 and every of the past two games. Considering this continues to be a profession yr across the board for him, I feel secure in saying Pickens is able to remaining a legitimate difference-maker for Dallas for 2026 and beyond. Alternatively, I also feel secure in assuming a franchise tag would result in a lengthy, potentially contentious series of extension talks (seeing as that is the Cowboys we’re talking about).
The tag is projected to cost around $28MM next season. There are currently 12 receivers attached to an AAV above that figure, although 4 of them are on their third NFL contract. Pickens’ next deal shall be his second, which probably puts his range above Tee Higgins ($28.75MM per yr) but below Justin Jefferson ($35MM) or a minimum of Ja’Marr Chase ($40.25MM). CeeDee Lamb is currently No. 3 within the league by way of receiver compensation ($34MM AAV), but I don’t think Jerry Jones could have much of a difficulty paying two wideouts near the highest of the market.
Pickens will only be 25 by the beginning of the 2026 season. If the goal is to maximise Dallas’ offensive potential through the rest of Dak Prescott’s profession – which is smart, especially after trading away Micah Parsons – figuring out a four-year deal price something like $30MM annually will probably be mandatory. At lot can change over the subsequent few months, but I could definitely see that taking place (as much as Dallas will probably push for one yr spent on the tag first).
Larry asks:
Does Shedeur Sanders have an actual shot of keeping the Cleveland starting job going into next season, or will the Browns having two first-round picks make this chance too appealing for them to risk not adding a first-round talent?
At this point, we’re 4 games in to Sanders’ run atop the depth chart. He’ll proceed in that role for the ultimate three weeks of the season. 
I believe that ought to wind up being a big enough sample size to point the Browns in a single direction or one other regarding their QB plan. Long before the draft takes place, though, the team will need to choose on its GM-HC setup. Keeping each Kevin Stefanski and Andrew Berry would come as a surprise, in my mind, based on how the past two years have gone. Obviously, it’s too early to guess what sort of difference a regime change would make with respect to the plan under center.
Even so, any recent coach and/or GM could be different from the one which drafted Sanders (putting aside whatever influence one believes owner Jimmy Haslam had on that selection to start with). There are tons of examples across the NFL of that fact alone resulting in sweeping changes within the lineup, so it could’t be ruled out in Cleveland’s case if that becomes applicable. Before seeing what happens, nevertheless, I’ll say Sanders does indeed have a probability at spending 2026 as Cleveland’s starter.
In fact, the draft could present a possibility too good to pass up. The Browns will probably wind up with one pick in the highest 5 – 6, and Jacksonville’s selection will give them the capital needed to maneuver up the order. If the team feels Fernando Mendoza or (if he declares) Dante Moore is usually a franchise passer, it’ll be a misstep to pass and look elsewhere. Adding a quarterback able to being a starter over the long run is at all times the trail price taking place in a situation just like the one Cleveland is in.
At a minimum, Sanders will probably wind up doing enough to start out the 2026 season ahead of Dillon Gabriel on the depth chart (no matter Stefanski retention). I could see that translating to a full season as QB1, but depending on how things shake out over the ultimate three weeks of the season Cleveland’s draft situation could arrange a first-round alternative selection. That might obviously change the equation.