As the Miami Dolphins gear up for their 2024 training camp, all eyes are on the quarterback position, with Tua Tagovailoa firmly holding the reins as the team’s top quarterback irrespective of his contract situation. The real drama, however, is expected to unfold behind him where a fierce battle for the second-string quarterback role is anticipated.
Tua Tagovailoa is unchallenged as the starting quarterback, leaving Mike White and Skylar Thompson to vie for the backup position. The competition is set to be intense, with the third contender, Gavin Hardison, likely needing to outperform expectations to avoid being cut unless he can secure a spot on the practice squad.
Regarding statistics and experiences, White appears slightly ahead, having played 14 games with a 2-5 record as a starter, throwing for 2,219 yards and nine touchdowns. On the other hand, Thompson has a more limited resume with just seven games, a 1-1 record as a starter, and one playoff appearance where he nearly led a win against the Bills in 2022. His career totals of 534 yards and one touchdown, along with three interceptions, don’t quite stack up to White’s, but they keep him in contention for the role.
Financial aspects could play a crucial role in the final decision. Mike White’s current contract hits $5.21 million against the salary cap, with $3.5 million in savings if he were to be released.
Skylar Thompson, considerably cheaper, impacts the cap by only $1.005 million, almost all of which could be recuperated upon his release. This financial dynamic could influence general manager Chris Grier’s decisions, particularly if the performances of White and Thompson are comparable.
Both quarterbacks are also eligible for the practice squad, subject to waiver rules, a factor that could influence the final arrangement. Given the risk of losing either quarterback through waivers, Mike White’s higher experience might make him a more likely claim than Thompson.
An additional layer of strategy comes from the NFL’s rule adjustments, which now allow teams to activate a practice squad quarterback as a third emergency option on game days without occupying a roster spot. This rule means Miami might opt not to carry three quarterbacks in the 53-man roster, adding further intrigue to the backup quarterback competition.
As training camp progresses, all eyes will be on how White and Thompson perform, understanding that beyond their on-field performances, their fates could hinge on strategic financial decisions as well. This subplot will certainly be one of the key storylines to follow at the Dolphins’ camp this season.