With Tua Tagovailoa’s recent head injury raising concerns about his long-term health and whether he will be available, the Miami Dolphins must consider finding a reliable backup quarterback. Tagovailoa has shown incredible skill this season, leading the league’s stats in passing yards and throwing 29 touchdown passes before he got hurt. However, his history with concussions makes it clear that the Dolphins need a solid backup plan to protect their season.
A few possible replacements are already on the Dolphins roster. The team must carefully consider these options to ensure it is prepared for any situation. So, without further ado, let’s take a close look at the five best replacement options for the injured Dolphins’ superstar quarterback:
1. Skylar Thompson
Thompson, a seventh-round pick in the 2022 NFL Draft, is the most immediate option for the Dolphins. At 6’2″ and 217 pounds, Thompson has a solid build for a quarterback and offers dual-threat capability. His college career at Kansas State was notable, as he passed for over 7,000 yards and 42 touchdowns and rushed for 1,087 yards and 26 touchdowns.
In his rookie season, Thompson played in seven games, starting two, and completed 57.1% of his passes for 534 yards, one touchdown, and three interceptions. He also rushed for 21 yards. In 2023, Thompson served as the backup quarterback, completing 60.3% of his passes for 211 yards and a passer rating of 62.14. His familiarity with the playbook and experience make him the most suitable candidate if Tua Tagovailoa is sidelined for an extended period.
2. Tim Boyle
Boyle, another option currently on the Dolphins roster, has a varied NFL career, having played for the Green Bay Packers, Detroit Lions, and New York Jets. Standing at 6’4″ and 232 pounds, Boyle brings a solid physical presence to the quarterback position. His career totals include 1,237 passing yards, four touchdowns, and eight interceptions over 20 games.
Click on ‘Follow Us’ and get notified of the most viral NFL stories via Google! Follow Us
Boyle’s best season came in 2021 with the Lions, where he started five games and threw for 1,033 yards, three touchdowns, and six interceptions. Although his stats this season are limited, Boyle’s experience with different offensive systems could help him adapt quickly if called upon. His game management skills and expertise could help the Dolphins if Thompson is unavailable.
3. Mike White
White, who signed a two-year contract with the Dolphins before the 2023 season, has experience as both a starter and a backup. The Dallas Cowboys drafted White, known for his strong arm and quick decision-making, in 2018, and he later joined the New York Jets. Over his career, he has thrown for 2,219 yards, nine touchdowns, and 13 interceptions, completing 62.6% of his passes.
During his time with the Dolphins, White played in six games, completing five of six passes for 74 yards, one touchdown, and one interception. Although the Dolphins released him in August 2024 after a competition for the backup role, he has signed with the Buffalo Bills practice squad, showing his ongoing relevance in the league.
4. Jimmy Garoppolo
Garoppolo, currently a backup quarterback for the Los Angeles Rams, is another notable name who could replace Tua Tagovailoa, though he is not on the Dolphins roster. Garoppolo has a successful history, including leading the San Francisco 49ers to the Super Bowl 2020. He has a career record of 40-17 as a starter and has thrown for over 14,000 yards with 87 touchdowns and 42 interceptions.
In 2023, Garoppolo started seven games for the Raiders, completing 65.1% of his passes for 1,205 yards, seven touchdowns, and nine interceptions. However, his performance declined, leading to his benching midway through the season.
Garoppolo is currently serving a two-game suspension for violating the NFL’s performance-enhancing drug policy, which limits his availability. His contract with the Rams is worth $4.5 million, with potential performance-based bonuses.
5. C.J Beathard
Beathard, a free-agent quarterback with starter and backup experience, is another potential candidate to replace Tua Tagovailoa. Standing 6’2″ and 219 pounds, Beathard has shown potential during his time with the San Francisco 49ers and Jacksonville Jaguars. He has played in 23 games, starting 12, and has thrown for 3,469 yards, 18 touchdowns, and 10 interceptions.
His best season came in 2018 when he threw for 2,972 yards and 15 touchdowns. Although he served as a backup for the Jaguars in 2022, his experience with various offensive schemes could make him a valuable asset if the Dolphins seek to explore free-agent options.
Why Is Ryan Tannehill Not The Best Replacement For Dolphins Superstar QB Tua Tagovailoa?
At the age of 36, the former Dolphins star’s performance had noticeably declined, leading teams to overlook Tannehill for backup roles in the offseason. Initially brought in to support Marcus Mariota, he served as insurance but was later overshadowed as the Tennessee Titans chose to draft fresh talent, indicating a strategic move away from relying on him. Despite these challenges, his name could still surface in discussions when teams lacking seasoned backup quarterbacks experience injuries in the 2024 season.
Unfortunately, the Miami Dolphins face a tough decision after Tua Tagovailoa’s latest serious head injury. While Tagovailoa is a talented quarterback with great potential, his long-term health is crucial. The team now needs to consider other options for replacing him. The five candidates mentioned each have their strengths.
The Dolphins must carefully weigh these options to meet both their short-term needs and long-term goals. Whether they go for a temporary fix or invest in someone who could be a key player for years, this choice will be necessary for the team’s future. The new quarterback will be crucial in deciding how well the team does this season and in the future, affecting both the Dolphins’ performance and the team’s overall stability.
