The Miami Dolphins invested bigtime in Tua Tagovailoa last offseason, signing him to a 4 year $200 million extension. But as the franchise is now in it’s 25th straight season without a playoff win, finding a reliable backup quarterback has become a emergency.
When Tua Goes Down, So Does the Offense?
Tua Tagovailoa has only played a full 17 game season once in his 5 year career. When he’s been out, the Dolphins offense has collapsed. Last season, Skylar Thompson and Snoop Huntley started 6 games and the Dolphins scored 15 or less in 4 of those games. With big time players like Tyreek Hill and Jaylen Waddle on the roster, this is unacceptable.
The Dolphins have made the playoffs only 3 times in the last 15 years and 2 of those were with backup quarterbacks. This is a pattern: the Dolphins have never had a reliable 2nd string quarterback and it’s cost them big time in key moments.
What Coach Mike McDaniel Is Saying?
At the NFL Combine, coach Mike McDaniel addressed the backup QB situation. He said both free agency and the draft are options to improve the Quarter Back room.
“I prioritize people that can pass,” McDaniel said. “All things are on the table—young, old. There’s some guys we’re interested in in free agency and some in the draft.”
McDaniel acknowledged it’s urgent. “We need to upgrade the backup quarterback.” While drafting a developmental guy on 2 or 3 might be part of the plan, it’s hard to imagine relying on a rookie this year.
Free Agency vs. Draft: Which Way Should the Dolphins Go?
Why Free Agency Makes Sense?
The Dolphins don’t need a backup who can throw for 300 yards and 3 touchdowns every game—those QBs aren’t available. But they do need someone who can keep the offense going when Tagovailoa is out. Enter the free agent market where experienced options like Marcus Mariota, Taylor Heinicke, Jameis Winston, Carson Wentz and Zach Wilson will be available.
None of those guys are perfect but they have experience and familiarity with NFL systems. ESPN’s Adam Schefter recently linked former Washington Commanders QB Marcus Mariota to Miami. Mariota’s mobility and game management could be a good fit in McDaniel’s offense.
Why the Draft Isn’t Enough?
Drafting a QB on Day 2 or 3 will give you long term depth but rookies come with growing pains. With holes all over the roster, investing in a raw prospect might not give you immediate results. The Dolphins can’t have another season where the offense scores 14 points a game when Tagovailoa is out.
The Case for an Experienced Backup
Miami’s struggles with Tagovailoa out of the lineup show how important it is to have a proven backup. A veteran quarterback doesn’t have to be great—he just has to keep the team from losing while the starter is out. Guys like Taylor Heinicke and Jameis Winston have shown flashes and know how to handle tough situations. Even Carson Wentz, despite his inconsistency, has the arm to make plays.
An experienced backup also brings stability to the QuarterBack room. Chemistry between starters and backups is key, especially in McDaniel’s system which is all about timing and accuracy.