The Miami Dolphins find themselves at a crossroads with their quarterback lineup this season, as discussions heat up about who will secure the backup role behind Tua Tagovailoa. Amidst speculation and debates, one intriguing proposition has surfaced: the potential return of Ryan Tannehill to Miami as a backup QB.
According to Cody Benjamin of CBS Sports, the optimal free agent destination for Tannehill might just be a reunion with the Dolphins. With his tenure as a starting quarterback seemingly behind him, especially after ending his stint with the Tennessee Titans marred by injuries, the 35-year-old quarterback could offer the Dolphins something they currently lack—veteran presence and experience.
The current backup options for Miami include Mike White and Skylar Thompson, who have a combined record of 3-6 in emergency start situations. Tannehill’s extensive resume boasts 151 starts, a depth of experience that neither White nor Thompson can match at this point in their careers. Benjamin articulates that Tannehill is well-acquainted with Miami, and his approach to the game aligns well with Dolphins head coach Mike McDaniel’s offensive schemes.
There’s no suggestion from Benjamin that Tannehill would pose a threat to Tagovailoa’s starting role. However, bringing Tannehill on board could offer a significant safety net for the Dolphins. Tannehill, once met with mixed feelings from the Miami fanbase and seemingly parting ways with the team without much fanfare, now has the potential to return in a role that could see him contribute significantly to the team’s ambitions.
Tannehill’s career trajectory, likened to his predecessor Chad Henne’s, implies that his days as a premier NFL starter may be behind him. Nonetheless, his familiarity with Miami, combined with his “script quarterback” style—which Benjamin notes is ideal for McDaniel’s offense—might just make him the ideal candidate to back up Tagovailoa.
The move may not be the flashiest or the most straightforward solution for the Dolphins, but it’s a strategic approach towards ensuring stability and expertise within their quarterback lineup. With Tannehill’s understanding of the franchise and his capacity to execute McDaniel’s playbook, Miami could find themselves with a reliable option should Tagovailoa be sidelined.