The Dolphins need a new QB to save their season. Here are 6 options

The Dolphins’ season is in deep trouble and it’s painfully clear that clinging to the status quo could prove fatal for their season.

Miami was blown out by the Seahawks on Sunday afternoon in a 24-3 loss that highlighted the deep slump in the Mike McDaniel offense without a competent QB under center. Regardless of how highly you rate Tua Tagovaila, there’s no question that he’s adept at the McDaniel system and knows how to get the team’s YAC athletes up and running to open the field, something backup Skylar Thompson couldn’t do, and neither could Tim Boyle when he was called onto the field.

This was supposed to be a banner year for the Dolphins, but it’s been a nightmare so far. As it stands, Tua won’t be able to practice and play until Week 8, and even then that feels like an overly hopeful timeline given the severity of Tagovailoa’s three concussions. While the schedule until then is extremely favorable, with games against the Titans, Patriots, Colts and Cardinals on the timeline, that’s also a curse. This is the easiest portion of the Dolphins’ schedule, games where you’d expect the team to go 4-0, but it’s tough to favor Miami in any of those games right now based on the level of play.

The front office can’t afford to sit still. They can’t just sit around and try to wait for Tua to return if they want to make the playoffs in 2024, especially now that the Jets have found their groove and the Bills are proving they’re the class of the division again. It’s time to make a bold move to salvage this season, while also putting a plan in place if Tua can’t return until later in the season.

Three free agents worth bringing in

Ryan Tannehill

This is the favorite name floating around, and for good reason. Tannehill’s apparent unwillingness to serve as a veteran mentor to a young quarterback kept him from being signed in free agency, and that’s why he’s not on the list. Miami, however, is a different situation. With the Dolphins, he’d simply be asked to make some short-yardage throws without taking too much risk. It’s not exactly Tannehill’s thing as a QB, but he could make it work.

Tannehill has caused a lot of bad blood in his first stint with the team, but this is almost a whole new organization outside of the executive levels, and he’s still a player looking to prove he can compete.

It’s unclear what kind of contract he would ask for, but there’s no better option at this point than to just accept it, pay Tannehill and hope he can talk you into letting Tua take over in time for the playoffs.

Comb Newton

Another name that is getting a lot of attention, the former MVP has been vocal about his belief that he can still play and contribute at a high level. Yes, he’s been out of the game for a few years. And that doesn’t really matter when your other options are just as bad as the ones Miami can put on the field right now.

Accuracy in short range has always been a bit of an Achilles heel for Newton, who prefers to throw big and generate explosive plays. However, his ability as a runner opens up more wrinkles that a coach like McDaniel can take advantage of. This is definitely a situation to keep an eye on, because it could work.

Desmond Knight

There’s a big drop before we get to our next name. However, we’ve seen in recent weeks what a change of scenery can do for a QB. Malik Willis is balling in Green Bay, Sam Darnold is ripping in Minnesota, and Justin Fields is finding his feet with the Steelers, to name a few.

It wasn’t that long ago that Knight was one of the top quarterbacks in the 2022 NFL Draft. There’s a chance (albeit slim) that he could step into the Miami offense and click, potentially giving the team a young player who is a potential long-term backup to Tua, who can step in when needed.

Unfortunately, it seems like they need someone to replace Tua more often than they would like.

Three trade goals that are opportunities

Bryce Jong

Once the Panthers benched Bryce Young, the Dolphins were all the talk, and rightfully so. If anyone can manipulate size, it’s Mike McDaniel, and a disastrous start to the season made it easy to forget that Young was finding his groove late in his rookie season.

The problem would be compensation. Right now, there is no incentive for the Panthers to let Young go in exchange for a day three pick, as has been predicted. Whether or not they want him to start again in 2024, the organization has too much invested to flush it away so quickly.

That means the Dolphins may have to overspend to get Young, which would require Alabama to place a lot of faith in his abilities and essentially write off everything you’ve seen from him as a pro. That’s a bitter pill to swallow.

Russel Wilson

Let’s get this out there, because it’s fascinating. The Steelers are dealing with a QB controversy with Russ set to return from injury, but the team is now running smoothly with Justin Fields.

A trade would solve this problem for both teams, giving the Dolphins a player in Wilson who can absolutely run the offense they need, and do it very well. In the meantime, the Steelers can continue to evaluate Fields and determine if he’s a long-term solution at the position, or still just a band-aid to get them through 2024.

You don’t get elite-level, Seahawks Russ, at this point in his career — but you get an older, still-effective player if he’s put in a position to succeed. Miami could be the landing spot he needs, and it would take a lot of pressure off both organizations.

Carson Wentz

How important is a backup QB in Kansas City, really? These teams have a history of trading with each other dating back to the Tyreek Hill deal, and it shows that KC isn’t really worried about dealing an in-conference contender.

Wentz has steadily rebuilt himself into a solid backup QB who can step in when needed and make plays. He’s an accurate passer who thrives on short-yardage throws, which is exactly what the Dolphins need right now.

It’s not a sexy move, and it wouldn’t generate much excitement, but Miami could do a lot worse.