The Miami Dolphins just missed out on the playoffs in 2024 after carrying hopes into Week 18, losing to the New York Jets 32-20 to finish 8-9.
Had they gotten even league-average play from their quarterback position at times earlier in the season, they might have been in position to secure their third playoff appearance in as many seasons under Mike McDaniel.
After Tua Tagovailoa suffered a concussion in a 31-10 Week 2 loss to Buffalo, the Dolphins' lack of quality depth reared its ugly head quickly. With Tua going on injured reserve, Miami had to find a way to tread water long enough for his return. As it turned out, that stretch helped sink their season to Davy Jones' locker.
Skylar Thompson was helpless against Seattle before getting hurt, and Tim Boyle was a deer in the headlights after Tyler Huntley left late in a 16-10 come from ahead loss to the Indianapolis Colts, which was perhaps the worst loss of the season.
Miami fans watched; I don't need to regurgitate the stats here. Let's just say they were bad and move on.
As such, it's become painfully clear that Miami needs someone new at the QB position next season behind Tua. Someone capable to producing in the passing game beyond little dinks/dunks and screen passes.
There is someone hitting free agency who can chuck the ball down the field and produce.
The Dolphins should take a look at free agent QB Jameis Winston
I know, I know. He's the proud author of a 30/30 (touchdowns/interceptions) season back in 2019. He's a reason the YOLO (you only live once) themes about QBs chucking it downfield irrespective of the consequences exists.
But....he boasts something that few veteran QBs in the league can: a strong arm and a high ceiling as a passer. If you can actually get good Jameis, you're getting a guy that can go beyond just treading water - he can win games for you. Look at least year with the Browns. Winston was 27/41 for 334 yards with 3 touchdowns in Cleveland's 29-24 upset of the Baltimore Ravens.
But getting that good Jameis is a Jekyll and Hyde situation. He has the physical tools of the number one overall pick the Buccaneers made him back in 2015. He still has very good arm talent, particularly for a backup. It's just the baffling throw at bad times that has stunted his career.
However - hear me out - with that being said, does anyone else in the current free agent class have that kind of arm and be a potential target to be a backup? Who would that be? Justin Fields? Could be a very good backup himself, but he'll likely get a hard look by someone this offseason as a possible starter after a strong start to 2024 for the Steelers. Sam Darnold made himself a lot of money after a 2024 breakout. Daniel Jones will cost too much in all likelihood and hasn't been great - or particularly healthy - the last two years anyways. Russell Wilson will also likely cost too much and could be in play to start somewhere, perhaps back in Pittsburgh.
Beggars can't be choosers when it comes to finding a quality backup at a decent price - something the cap-strapped Dolphins have to consider this offseason. Some players will come in with issues. Otherwise, they'd be a starter.
It's not going to be perfect, but Miami needs someone who can throw the ball beyond five or ten yards if Tua goes down. Because if they had that last year, they might have found themselves playing for that elusive postseason win they continue to be unable to find.
