Miami Dolphins to replace Tua Tagovailoa with Joe Burrow; Offered 4 first-round picks before 2020 NFL Draft

While the 2020 NFL Draft may seem like it occurred only recently, six years have passed since the top quarterback prospects of that year, including Joe Burrow, Justin Herbert, and Tua Tagovailoa, became central figures in the football world. Along with Jordan Love and Jalen Hurts, these players have been forever linked in draft history. For Miami Dolphins fans, speculation about alternative decisions during the draft has been a common topic of discussion.

Many have pondered: What if the Dolphins had selected Justin Herbert, the Los Angeles Chargers quarterback, with the fifth overall pick instead of Tua Tagovailoa? Or, what if Miami had chosen Jordan Love or Jalen Hurts? However, a new revelation adds another layer to these hypothetical questions. Recent reports have uncovered that the Dolphins considered making a massive pre-draft trade to acquire Joe Burrow, the first overall pick of the 2020 draft.

At the time, this rumor was largely dismissed as mere speculation or pre-draft smoke and mirrors. Yet, sources have now confirmed that Miami offered a package that included four first-round picks to the Cincinnati Bengals in exchange for Burrow before the 2020 draft.

Potential Impact of the Trade

If the trade had gone through, it would have drastically altered the landscape of the NFL. Experts believe that Burrow's presence in Miami could have significantly impacted both the Dolphins and the Bengals franchises, potentially leading to an earlier playoff run for Miami. Additionally, moving Tua Tagovailoa would have forced the Dolphins to rethink their quarterback strategy, which would have had lasting effects on the team's development and their subsequent draft choices.

The ripple effect would not have been limited to just Miami and Cincinnati. The selections of Justin Herbert, Jordan Love, and Jalen Hurts could have been reshaped, potentially changing the course of multiple teams' rosters. The trade would have had a profound impact on the NFL as a whole, affecting player careers and franchise trajectories.

Expert Commentary

Sports analyst Adam Schefter weighed in on the potential trade, noting, "Its fascinating to imagine the Dolphins sending four first-round picks for Burrow. It would have been one of the most significant pre-draft trades in NFL history and could have rewritten the quarterback narrative entirely." This expert perspective further fuels the debate about the Dolphins' draft strategy and the potential impact of different decisions made six years ago.

Key Points

• The Miami Dolphins nearly traded for Joe Burrow before the 2020 NFL Draft.
• The trade offer reportedly included four first-round picks from the Dolphins to the Bengals.
• If the trade had happened, it could have drastically altered the careers of Tua Tagovailoa, Justin Herbert, and other quarterbacks from the 2020 draft class.
• The discussion about Miamis draft strategy remains ongoing, with fans and analysts continuing to debate the potential long-term effects of their choices.