Miami Dolphins: Should The Team Turn To A Familiar Face?

Despite the success of QB1, Tua Tagovailoa, the Miami Dolphins still need help at the quarterback position. It might not be their focal point this offseason as the defense is being retooled, but the need is there and who better than an old familiar face, Ryan Tannehill? While it might be a tough sell to Dolphins fans, the move could make perfect sense.

At 35 years old the former Dolphin is in the back half of his career meaning the cost won’t be as high. Teams looking for a QB who can bridge the gap as they develop their younger QBs might be competition in the free agent market but don’t expect a bidding war. Tua needs a backup who can come in and keep the offense moving at the same pace as if QB1 was still in the game. With no disrespect to Mike White or Skylar Thompson, neither has proved to be as capable.

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Why should the Dolphins even consider Tannehill?

Simple, he was never actually given a fair chance in Miami. No one is saying he’s the greatest QB since Marino down there, but guys like Joe Philbin and Adam Gase never got the best out of him. He made a huge jump as soon as he was traded to Tennessee with a good run game and a solid offensive line in front of him. His first two seasons TD to INT ratio was 22:6 and 33:7, although he was in what most would consider his “prime”.

People can sit here and argue against a Ryan Tannehill return to Miami but the argument against it is the exact reason Miami should bring him in. If anyone tells you that “the only reason Tannehill was successful in Tennessee was their talent, run game, and offensive line” they might be right, but look at Miami’s roster now compared to back then.

Tannehill’s best target was Jarvis Landry and (at times) Devante Parker. Now it’s Jaylen Waddle and Tyreek Hill. Their most notable running back was Reggie Bush when Tannehill started then an injury-plagued Jay Ajayi and Lamar Jackson. Now they have De’Von Achane and Raheem Mostert who talent-wise might break even but are way speedier in this offense. Miami might need some retooling on the front line, but that’s okay.

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Let’s remind fans that Tannehill was the first Miami Dolphin to pass for over 4,000 yards since Dan Marino and he did so off his back foot while running for his life. Right now, Tua’s biggest struggles are Tannehill’s strengths, moving the pocket. Yes, Ryan Tannehill took plenty of sacks but so does Tua. The biggest difference is Tannehill occasionally gets rid of it once in a while whereas Tagovailoa freezes.

In no way, shape, or form, is anyone arguing for a QB controversy down in Miami or looking to move on from Tagovailoa. However, there’s a skill set there that Miami should consider in the off chance they need to turn to a backup quarterback. There’s just enough gas left in the tank for Tannehill to keep Miami on track. Even though he won’t start, in a Mike McDaniel offense, he could shine with the right weapons if Miami ends up in that position.

Ask yourself this, which would you rather have when your QB goes down, a career backup who performs like a backup? Or would you rather have a backup who can perform like a starter with the right weapons in the right offense?