The Miami Dolphins are currently locked in a contract standoff with Tua Tagovailoa, but unless something drastic happens before the 2024 NFL season, he is expected to be the team’s starting quarterback in Week 1.
However, do the Dolphins need more reliable backup options behind Tagovailoa?
Cody Benjamin of CBS Sports suggests that adding Ryan Tannehill could be a smart move as training camp nears.
At present, Mike White is the primary backup for Tagovailoa, and while White has some starting experience, Miami might prefer a more seasoned veteran.
Tannehill would be a suitable candidate.
Interestingly, Tannehill’s NFL journey began with the Dolphins in 2012 when they drafted him eighth overall.
He spent seven seasons in Miami but only truly thrived after joining the Tennessee Titans in 2019.
That season, he replaced Marcus Mariota as the starting quarterback midway through the year, throwing for 2,742 yards, 22 touchdowns, and six interceptions with a 70.3 percent completion rate and a league-leading 117.5 passer rating in 12 games and 10 starts.
This performance earned him his first Pro Bowl appearance.
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In 2020, Tannehill had arguably his best NFL season, amassing 3,819 yards, 33 touchdowns, and seven interceptions, completing 65.5 percent of his passes, and achieving a passer rating of 106.5.
Since then, the 35-year-old has experienced a decline and had a subpar 2023 season, recording 1,616 yards, four touchdowns, and seven interceptions in 10 games and eight starts.
He lost his starting job to Will Levis halfway through the year.
Despite his recent struggles, Tannehill remains a better backup option than what the Dolphins currently have.
Given Tagovailoa’s injury history, Miami might benefit from upgrading their depth chart.
It’s surprising that Tannehill is still available considering his track record, but he might be waiting for the right opportunity.
Returning to the Dolphins would be an intriguing prospect for the veteran.
Miami finished the last season with an 11-6 record, eventually falling to the Kansas City Chiefs in the Wild Card Round of the playoffs.
