INDIANAPOLIS — The Miami Dolphins’ quarterback room is currently small, consisting of Tua Tagovailoa and Chris Streveler. That should change very soon. Two weeks from before the start of NFL free agency, new Dolphins coach Mike McDaniel hinted at the NFL Combine the team will pursue a veteran backup.
Backup quarterback options for the Miami Dolphins
The backup job is particularly important in Miami, considering Tagovailoa’s health history. He has missed games in each of his first two seasons — and, of course, suffered a major hip injury in 2019 that ended his college career.
When asked by PFN if the team will sign a veteran or go young at the position, McDaniel said the following at the NFL Scouting Combine Wednesday:
“I can tell you this much. We are looking for another quarterback. I’ve never seen in the history of the NFL having two on the roster, and that’s very much important to us. You want a player that can help.
“When you’re looking for a No. 2 quarterback, two things: You want him to benefit the starting quarterback while the starting quarterback is the starting quarterback. And empower him with how they approach their daily game-plan responsibilities and how they develop when you’re training in the offseason.
“But you also want a guy who can win games should the starter go down. A veteran backup is definitely in our discussions, but it’s the best player we can find in whatever avenue and move forward from there.”
A look at veteran quarterbacks in free agency
This year’s class of free agents actually has a number of quarterbacks that fit that description. If a team is looking for a starter, the pickings are slim. The best of the bunch, according to PFN’s free agent rankings, are Jameis Winston (who’s coming off major injury), Teddy Bridgewater, Marcus Mariota, and Tyrod Taylor.
They all could get opportunities to start in 2022. There might even be a QB1 market for Mitch Trubisky. If not, he certainly should be high on Miami’s list. The same goes for Andy Dalton. Beyond that, however, are a bunch of imperfect options.
Do Cam Newton or Joe Flacco have anything left? Would McDaniel have confidence in Mike Glennon, Trevor Siemian, or Blaine Gabbert? Here’s an interesting name: Geno Smith, who wasn’t terrible (but also wasn’t great) in place of Russell Wilson in 2021.