The Miami Dolphins, a surprising AFC contender, are linked to $196 million free agent Ryan Tannehill as a potential signing this offseason. According to reports, the Dolphins could bring in a familiar figure to back up Tua Tagovailoa at quarterback. Mike White and Skylar Thompson provide minimal depth behind the standout quarterback. However, Tannehill’s regular season as a starter is done, and he might easily complete his career with the organization that selected him.
A former No. 8 draft pick in 2012, he started for the Dolphins from 2012 to 2018, before joining the Titans for the last four seasons. Tannehill still provides some valuable experience, with 151 starts, which is more than the Dolphins have on their depth chart. He is familiar with the system, and despite the fact that Mike McDaniel is Miami’s most recent coach, there have been numerous opportunities since his departure. It won’t cost the Dolphins much because he’ll most likely seek a one-year contract before retiring.
Tannehill doesn’t have much time left to offer for a club, but he still adds value to the tank he does have. The Dolphins might release White to free up $3.5 million in cap space, as the team will not carry more than three quarterbacks. However, it will not cost Miami much money, given the team presently has $1.89 million in cap space. The Pro Bowler has had some standout performances over his career.
He has maintained a 64.3% completion rate throughout his career, yet his record is 81-70, including a 2-3 postseason record. Tannehill is no longer in his prime, but it’s worth wondering what he could do at camp as a backup to talented players.
Surprising AFC Contender Miami Dolphins Linked to $196 Million Free Agent Ryan Tannehill
What He Could Still Provide
Tannehill could thrive in the pocket as the No. 2 quarterback behind Tagovailoa, as he did in 2020, surrounded by big-time talent. He was able to accumulate 3,819 yards and 33 touchdowns despite having one of the greatest receiving lineups on the depth chart that season. A.J. Brown, Corey Davis, and tight end Jonnu Smith were his targets, which helped him lead the team to its first postseason appearance in a long time. Tyreek Hil, Jaylen Waddle, and Odell Beckham Jr. will make up Tannehill’s dream package for catching the ball.
However, he is coming off a bad year in 2023 after eight starts, and Will Levis has taken over as the starter. They didn’t have the same talent as the Dolphins, so this is a major upgrade if Tannehill is called upon. A reunion could be just what he needs to complete the rest of his career in the league. Despite his injuries last year, he accumulated 4,152 passing yards and 17 touchdowns over the previous two seasons.
No one believes Tannehill poses a threat to Tagovailoa’s job, but contract negotiations are still ongoing. He’s waiting on a deal, which the Dolphins are still expecting to finalize before the start of the season. Here are a few prospective destinations for Tannehill.
Potential Destinations
Following a dismal rookie season, the Saints could make room for the veteran to serve under Derek Carr. Dennis Allen should definitely watch how Carr adjusts to the new offensive pieces, but if he doesn’t notice much improvement, Tannehill might be called in as an emergency. Tannehill isn’t getting any younger, but if Bryce Young’s next two years are awful, he might serve as the interim starter until a permanent solution is found for Carolina.
The Panthers shouldn’t be too concerned about production because they were able to bring in new toys for Young. However, Dak Prescott’s future as a quarterback is unknown. The Dallas Cowboys have done little to improve their roster while prolonging contract negotiations. Could they be purposefully tanking? Prescott is entering his senior year, which could explain why.
Tannehill isn’t ideal, but he may be a short-term fix, similar to Nick Foles 2.0, to lead the Cowboys to the Super Bowl.
