After going through several backup quarterbacks in 2024, the Dolphins are focused on securing a reliable option behind Tua Tagovailoa. According to ESPN’s Adam Schefter, they may target former first-round pick and free-agent QB Marcus Mariota.
Schefter highlighted Mariota’s friendship with Tagovailoa an the benefit of no state income taxes. Although Mariota’s career stats have been modest, he has proven capable of keeping his team competitive. In 74 career starts, the former No. 2 overall pick holds a 34-40 record, including a three-year stretch with the Titans where he posted a winning record.
Mariota has primarily served as a backup in recent years, spending time with the Raiders, Falcons, Eagles, and Commanders. Though he started 13 games for Atlanta in 2022, he has mostly been a reserve over the past five seasons. During that period, he completed 63.2% of his passes for 2,977 yards, 21 touchdowns, and 11 interceptions. In 2024, he played for Washington, where he threw four touchdowns across three relief appearances.
Jackson mentions another potential target for Miami’s quarterback search: Andy Dalton, noting that the veteran is “held in high regard” by the organization. Despite not always being the intended starter, Dalton has earned starts at every stop since leaving the Bengals. The 37-year-old started five games for the Panthers last season, stepping in for an underperforming Bryce Young. During that stretch, he led the team to a 1-4 record, throwing seven touchdowns and six interceptions.
Last offseason, the Dolphins targeted a few top-tier backup quarterbacks but ultimately kept Skylar Thompson as their primary QB2 while parting ways with Mike White. Thompson started just one game, with Tyler Huntley and Tim Boyle also seeing time under center. However, the trio proved to be a noticeable downgrade from Tua Tagovailoa, and when he was sidelined early in the season, Miami managed only 40 points across four games. Determined to prevent a repeat of that scenario, the Dolphins are prioritizing a more reliable backup for 2025.
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