NFL News: Dolphins QB Tua Tagovailoa loses experienced teammate who heads to the AFC North

Tua Tagovailoa is aiming to fully establish himself as the leader of the Miami Dolphins heading into the upcoming NFL season — though it won’t be an easy task. While he hopes to have the most competitive roster possible to face this new challenge, he’s also aware that some of his teammates won’t be by his side as the team moves forward.

Nik Needham, who joined the Dolphins in 2019 as an undrafted free agent, has officially parted ways with the franchise. Starting next season, he’ll be making the move to the AFC North, having agreed to join the Cleveland Browns.

The news was announced via the Browns’ official X account (formerly Twitter): “Adding another vet to our secondary! We’ve signed CB Nik Needham,” the franchise stated via @Browns.

Since arriving in Miami, Needham played an active role throughout various stretches of his tenure, recording a total of 200 tackles, 3.0 sacks, 6 interceptions, and one defensive touchdown.

Nik Needham #40 of the Miami Dolphins takes the field prior to playing the Buffalo Bills at Hard Rock Stadium on September 25, 2022 in Miami Gardens, Florida.

Will Tua be the leader of the Dolphins next season?

While all signs point to the former Alabama standout once again taking the reins on the field, head coach Mike McDaniel and the Dolphins could still look to put even more pressure on Tua Tagovailoa by bringing in another quarterback alongside Zach Wilson.

According to recent reports, in a mock draft published on NFL.com, analyst Chad Reuter predicted the Miami Dolphins will select Oregon product Dillon Gabriel with the 135th pick in the fourth round.

While it’s all speculation ahead of Thursday, April 24, some believe that Mike McDaniel’s team wouldn’t be opposed to adding another quarterback to the roster — despite already bringing in Zach Wilson as a backup.