The Miami Dolphins find themselves in familiar territory as they head into the 2025 season, facing persistent questions about their quarterback situation. Tua Tagovailoa, the man they’ve banked on leading their offense, has struggled with reliability.
It’s an unfortunate status quo when your talented QB can only maintain full health once in his five-season stint. This issue is compounded by the lack of a sturdy backup plan—a gap the Dolphins urgently need to address.
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Tyler Huntley, with his tenure in Miami, has shown that he may not be the long-term answer, and with Skylar Thompson now running scout plays over in Pittsburgh, the search for a reliable backup is more pressing. General Manager Chris Grier knows it, admitting that last year’s efforts to bolster the position fell short due to salary cap restrictions. So, who could step into this critical role and provide assurance for Miami fans?
Potential Backup Quarterback Options for the Dolphins in 2025
Justin Fields
His name might not top the charts, but Justin Fields could quietly be one of the smartest choices for Miami. While not destined for a starring role, Fields has proven he’s got what it takes to fill in capably.
His time in Pittsburgh offered a glimpse into what he can do when called upon: leading the Steelers to a promising 4-2 start with a deft mix of passing (1,106 yards, five touchdowns, and one interception) and rushing (289 yards and five scores). The only hitch here is the cost.
Fields would eat significantly into Miami’s already tight cap space, possibly preventing a deal.
Marcus Mariota
Looking back, Marcus Mariota seems like a natural fit. He shares a bond with Tagovailoa—a mentor-mentee dynamic—that could translate into on-field chemistry.
Mariota’s likely price tag positions him as a sweet spot financially. The Dolphins would not just get familiarity but also the assurance that their offense would remain in capable hands if Tua can’t go.
Mariota’s experience could very well stabilize a turbulent backup situation that has plagued Miami in recent years.
Jameis Winston
Jameis Winston is another intriguing option. Thrust into a tough spot with the Browns, Winston demonstrated resilience and an unwavering ability to keep the offense ticking.
His numbers—2,121 yards, 13 touchdowns, albeit with 12 interceptions—reflect both his high-risk, high-reward playing style. For Miami, Winston could bring his experience and a strong locker-room presence, qualities invaluable for backing a starting QB like Tua.
Jimmy Garoppolo
Revisit the days of the San Francisco Super Bowl run, and Jimmy Garoppolo may just appear as a blast from the past for Coach Mike McDaniel. With shared history from their time with the 49ers, Garoppolo could seamlessly adapt to Miami’s offensive scheme. His experience in handling high-pressure situations, coupled with an ability to take the reins temporarily, makes Jimmy-G a strategic pick for assuring depth.
As the 2025 season inches closer, the Dolphins’ front office faces a pivotal decision. Whether they lean towards the established familiarity of Mariota or the calculated risk of Fields, Miami’s backup QB choice could set the tone for their quest to once again shine in the playoff spotlight.