3 QBs Who Could Replace Tua Tagovailoa As Miami Dolphins’ Starter

After Thursday Night’s game against the Buffalo Bills, the Miami Dolphins remain in limbo. Not only were they defeated handily by their division opponents in what was a statement game, but the often injured Tua Tagovailoa suffered yet another concussion to add to his growing list.

The immediate and long-term futures of Tagovailoa are unknown, as we are still awaiting word on his status. The Dolphins have had Skylar Thompson on their roster for the last three seasons and is serving as the backup in 2024, but it would make sense for Miami to explore bringing in a veteran quarterback in order to salvage what was to be a promising season.

Who might the Dolphins be turning their attention to? Here are three possible options for Miami in bringing in a replacement for Tagovailoa:

3 QBs Options To Replace Tua Tagovailoa

Ryan Tannehill

Originally drafted by the Dolphins, Tannehill eventually blossomed once he became a member of the Tennessee Titans. But he fell out of favor with the team after last season, and went through free agency and training camp without signing a contract.

His years of service and experience with big games makes him one of the more attractive options for Miami. He has plenty of familiarity with the franchise, having spent the first seven years of his career with the Dolphins, albeit under a completely different regime.

Tannehill started eight games for the Titans in 2023, and posted a 3-5 record before being replaced. He threw four touchdowns and seven interceptions, and had a passer rating of 78.5, the lowest since his rookie season.

Mike White

Many believed that White would be the backup for Miami this season. He spent 2023 waiting in the wings behind Tagovailoa, but never got his opportunity, and entered training camp as the #2 QB on the depth chart. But in what was a money-saving move, the Dolphins opted to roll with Skylar Thompson instead, and he found his way to the Buffalo Bills’ practice squad.

Given his knowledge of the playbook and familiarity with the offense, White seems like an obvious choice for a replacement. But there were reports of some potential bad blood between him and Miami’s coaching staff on his way out the door, so a relationship between the two sides would be a factor.

White threw just five passes last season, resulting in one touchdown and one interception.

Bailey Zappe

This would be a tough pill to swallow for Dolphins fans, as they watched Zappe fail in their own division. But he was a guy that Bill Belichick saw enough promise in to make the starter for 8 games over two seasons, which should still hold at least some weight in today’s NFL.

The Dolphins would have to pluck him from the practice squad of the Kansas City Chiefs, who brought him in as the third option behind Patrick Mahomes and backup Carson Wentz.

During his time in New England, Zappe attempted 304 passes and amassed 2,053 yards. He threw 11 touchdowns to go along with 12 interceptions, and had a passer rating of 78.5.