Miami Dolphins starting quarterback Tua Tagovailoa is out of action for the foreseeable future after suffering another concussion. On Friday, head coach Mike McDaniel said the team would “bring in someone” to compete with backup Skylar Thompson, but having only $7.1 million in available cap space limits the search.
With that in mind, here are eight possible options at QB for the Dolphins:
Ryan Tannehill, free agent
Selected No. 8 overall in the 2012 NFL Draft, Tannehill began his career with the Dolphins, and a return in the twilight of his career seems fitting. However, the 36-year-old, coming off two injury-shortened seasons dealing with right ankle issues, may not fare well behind an offensive line that could be without 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) last year and has already been traded once in his short career. However, the 23-year-old had five 300-yard-plus games in 2023, including one of the year’s best performances (397 yards, four TDs in Week 8) and proved mobile, averaging 5.62 yards per rush for his career.
Hendon Hooker, Detroit Lions
Blocked on the depth chart by veteran Pro Bowler Jared Goff, Hooker comes with uncertainty having yet to play a regular-season NFL down. But the 2023 third-round pick could be an intriguing option after showing tremendous versatility in college, throwing for 8,974 yards with 80 touchdowns and 12 interceptions while rushing for 2,079 yards (4.0 YPA) with 25 scores over five seasons with Virginia Tech and Tennessee.
Jimmy Garoppolo, Los Angeles Rams
The 10-year veteran had one of his best seasons as a pro in 2021 playing under McDaniel, then the offensive coordinator with the San Francisco 49ers, throwing for 3,810 yards with 20 touchdowns and 10 interceptions. But, a laundry list of injuries, including a concussion and lower-back sprain last season, makes Garoppolo a risky choice.
C.J. Beathard, free agent
If the Dolphins value a QB familiar with the team’s offensive philosophy, Beathard could be an inexpensive fit, having played with the 49ers for three seasons while McDaniel was running game coordinator. The 30-year-old has gone just 3-10 as a starter but played serviceable when called upon, throwing for 3,886 yards with 19 touchdowns (four rushing scores) and 14 interceptions while completing 60.4 percent of his passes over 32 career games (13 starts).
Kenny Pickett, Philadelphia Eagles
When it comes to potential, the former first-round pick may have plenty left untapped, posting a winning record (14-10) over two seasons as the Pittsburgh Steelers starter, recording 4,474 yards with 13 touchdowns and 13 interceptions with four rushing scores. Meanwhile, throwing to George Pickens and Diontae Johnson is much different than targeting the Dolphins’ weapons, which may awaken something in Pickett.
Carson Wentz, Kansas City Chiefs
The 2016 No. 2 pick is another attractive potential option, only three seasons removed from posting 3,563 passing yards with 27 touchdowns and seven interceptions with the Indianapolis Colts. However, there’s a reason Wentz is on his fourth different team in as many years, and whatever it is may not work with the Dolphins.
Russell Wilson, Pittsburgh Steelers
If Justin Fields has impressed enough, there’s an outside shot that the nine-time Pro Bowler could be available as an inexpensive ($1.2 million), low-risk, high-reward replacement. Wilson has struggled in recent years but can still throw the deep ball, which could mesh well with Tyreek Hill and Jaylen Waddle, and the veteran also takes care of the football, throwing eight interceptions or fewer in six of his 12 NFL seasons. Wilson’s contract reportedly has a no-trade clause, so he would need to agree to the move.
