Miami Dolphins beginning quarterback Tua Tagovailoa is out of motion for the foreseeable future after struggling one other concussion. On Friday, head coach Mike McDaniel mentioned the crew would “usher in somebody” to compete with backup Skylar Thompson, however having solely $7.1 million in out there cap area limits the search.
With that in thoughts, listed here are eight potential choices at QB for the Dolphins:
Ryan Tannehill, free agent
Chosen No. 8 total within the 2012 NFL Draft, Tannehill started his profession with the Dolphins, and a return within the twilight of his profession appears becoming. Nevertheless, the 36-year-old, coming off two injury-shortened seasons coping with proper ankle points, could not fare properly behind an offensive line that may very well be with out injured LT Terron Armstead and LG Robert Jones.
Sam Howell, Seattle Seahawks
A member of the dreaded 2022 QB class, Howell led the league in interceptions (21) final yr and has already been traded as soon as in his quick profession. Nevertheless, the 23-year-old had 5 300-yard-plus video games in 2023, together with one of many yr’s finest performances (397 yards, 4 TDs in Week 8) and proved cell, averaging 5.62 yards per rush for his profession.
Hendon Hooker, Detroit Lions
Blocked on the depth chart by veteran Professional Bowler Jared Goff, Hooker comes with uncertainty having but to play a regular-season NFL down. However the 2023 third-round choose may very well be an intriguing possibility after exhibiting super versatility in school, throwing for 8,974 yards with 80 touchdowns and 12 interceptions whereas speeding for two,079 yards (4.0 YPA) with 25 scores over 5 seasons with Virginia Tech and Tennessee.
Jimmy Garoppolo, Los Angeles Rams
The ten-year veteran had considered one of his finest seasons as a professional in 2021 enjoying below McDaniel, then the offensive coordinator with the San Francisco 49ers, throwing for 3,810 yards with 20 touchdowns and 10 interceptions. However, a laundry checklist of accidents, together with a concussion and lower-back sprain final season, makes Garoppolo a dangerous alternative.
C.J. Beathard, free agent
If the Dolphins worth a QB acquainted with the crew’s offensive philosophy, Beathard may very well be a reasonable match, having performed with the 49ers for 3 seasons whereas McDaniel was operating recreation coordinator. The 30-year-old has gone simply 3-10 as a starter however performed serviceable when referred to as upon, throwing for 3,886 yards with 19 touchdowns (4 speeding scores) and 14 interceptions whereas finishing 60.4 p.c of his passes over 32 profession video games (13 begins).
Kenny Pickett, Philadelphia Eagles
Relating to potential, the previous first-round choose could have a lot left untapped, posting a successful file (14-10) over two seasons because the Pittsburgh Steelers starter, recording 4,474 yards with 13 touchdowns and 13 interceptions with 4 speeding scores. In the meantime, throwing to George Pickens and Diontae Johnson is far totally different than focusing on the Dolphins’ weapons, which can awaken one thing in Pickett.
Carson Wentz, Kansas Metropolis Chiefs
The 2016 No. 2 choose is one other enticing potential possibility, solely three seasons faraway from posting 3,563 passing yards with 27 touchdowns and 7 interceptions with the Indianapolis Colts. Nevertheless, there is a cause Wentz is on his fourth totally different crew in as a few years, and no matter it’s could not work with the Dolphins.
Russell Wilson, Pittsburgh Steelers
If Justin Fields has impressed sufficient, there’s an out of doors shot that the nine-time Professional Bowler may very well be out there as a reasonable ($1.2 million), low-risk, high-reward alternative. Wilson has struggled lately however can nonetheless throw the deep ball, which may mesh properly with Tyreek Hill and Jaylen Waddle, and the veteran additionally takes care of the soccer, throwing eight interceptions or fewer in six of his 12 NFL seasons. Wilson’s contract reportedly has a no-trade clause, so he would want to conform to the transfer.
