The Miami Dolphins quarterback room took a devastating blow when former Pro-Bowler and 2023 NFL Passing Yards Leader Tua Tagovailoa reportedly suffered a concussion in a blowout loss to the rival Buffalo Bills on Thursday Night Football. This is the third reported concussion that the 26-year-old quarterback has been diagnosed with in his young NFL career.
Miami Dolphins Quarterback Depth: Eight Players the Team Should Target after Tua’s Injury
The Miami Dolphins Quarterback situation is in crisis after Tua Tagovailoa’s third career concussion.
First and foremost, this development leaves fans worried about the human being underneath the football helmet. Head Coach Mike McDaniel set this tone expressing worry for Tua’s overall health and wellbeing. This injury will undoubtedly lead to speculation that the former Alabama superstar’s career could be in question. It also leaves the 2024 NFL season in complete chaos for the Dolphins.
The Backup
For now, backup Skylar Thompson will prepare to lead one of football’s most dangerous set of skill position players. However, the second-year QB’s 57.1% completion rate, one career passing touchdown, and three career interceptions hardly inspire confidence.
At a minimum, Miami must bring in a second quarterback to provide depth. If they are wise, they will also consider adding a player with a higher upside than Thompson. What options does the club have? Here are three that make sense.
The Options
1) Ryan Tannehill
Tannehill is a familiar name in South Beach, as he was a staple of Miami’s football team from 2012-2018. To date, the 11-year veteran has thrown for 34,881 passing yards and 216 passing touchdowns. While the 36-year-old signal-caller is far from his prime, he started eight games for the Titans last season.
Most importantly, Tannehill is also (by far) the most recognizable and stable name in the NFL’s pool for free agents. Adding him to the roster would require nothing more than a phone call and a contract offer.
Regardless of whether or not he emerges as a starter, Tannehill represents an opportunity to bring stability to the QB room with a veteran presence. At this point in the season, he is the ultimate no-risk, high-reward option. He should be the first phone call made by Dolphins’ General Manager Chris Grier.
2) Zach Wilson
How far the mighty have fallen. This is the case with both the Fish’s QB room and for Wilson’s career as a whole. The former top draft pick quickly flamed out for the NY Jets, and now finds himself as a backup with the Denver Broncos.
Wilson was recently mentioned as a potential trade candidate, as he finds himself as the third-string option behind rookie Bo Nix and backup Jarrett Stidham in Denver. He is far from a slam dunk. However, the potential at the former top prospect could recapture his form and regain his confidence under the player-friendly style of McDaniel. After all, Miami’s fearless leader worked wonders rebuilding Tua’s confidence and swagger after a rough start to his career under form coach Brian Flores.
The floor with Wilson is incredibly low. However, his ceiling in this unique offense is likely higher than Thompsons. He is a low-cost option worth consideration as a future Miami Dolphins quarterback.
3) Mac Jones
Adding Jones would be more difficult than the first two options, as he is the only backup on Jacksonville’s depth chart. However, the former first-round pick would surely be available if Grier and company put together a worthwhile trade package.
Like Wilson, Jones’s early career was a bit of a disaster. He reached the Pro Bowl in his rookie campaign in New England, before quickly falling from grace and getting relegated to a bench role with his second franchise.
Jones would also greatly benefit from a confidence transplant. And where better to find his second wind than with McDaniels and the Fish?
His upside is lower. But his floor is also likely higher than Wilson’s floor. Adding the former Alabama star (and former Tua teammate) would give the fanbase a shot of hope to salvage the 2024 season.
4) Mike White
Veteran Mike White holds a leg up over every other player on this list: He was in Dolphins training camp and is already familiar with the playbook, culture, and team. White narrowly lost the backup QB battle to Thompson before the 2024 regular season began.
While he is currently on the rival Bills’ practice squad, his familiarity with Miami’s systems makes him the perfect short-term target.
White’s career numbers (2,219 career passing yards, nine touchdowns, and 13 interceptions) are nothing special on paper, the former University of South Florida star had a sensational and historic run after subbing in as the starter for the New York Jets in 2022. Perhaps White could provide a similar run as the Miami Dolphins quarterback?
Honorable Mentions for Miami Dolphins Quarterback:
- PJ Walker (Free Agent)
- Taylor Heinicke (Los Angeles Chargers)
- Jimmy Garoppolo (Los Angeles Rams) *Currently suspended
- Trevor Siemian (Free Agent)
Main Photo: [Sam Navarro] – USA Today Sports
