Heading into next season, the Miami Dolphins could see a new quarterback under center.
The future of Tua Tagovailoa is bleak after Miami benched him in its last three games of 2025. NFL Network reporters are signaling Miami is expected to move on from the former top-five pick. The Dolphins remain set for a pivotal offseason ahead under different leadership with new head coach in Jeff Haley and a new general manager in Jon-Eric Sullivan.
The most critical of decisions will be determining what comes next for the franchise at the QB spot, both next year and beyond. The Dolphins have signaled a retooling phase, especially after releasing notable players like Tyreek Hill and Bradley Chubb. Tagovailoa could be next.
If so, what QB options are out there for the Dolphins?
Dolphins QB Trade Candidates
A trade could be one avenue the Miami Dolphins pursue, especially if the team buys low on some interesting prospects.
One potential candidate to acquire is another former top-five pick in Anthony Richardson. Richardson remains an intriguing prospect, largely because he hasn’t seen extended time on the field.
In 17 career games (15 as a starter), Richardson threw 11 touchdowns and 13 interceptions. To date, the production reflects both his inexperience and inconsistency as a passer.
Initially, Richardson impressed during his rookie campaign in 2023. But, he was unfortunately sidelined for the year after a right shoulder injury he got in Week 5 of that season. Richardson totaled over 700 scrimmage yards and seven total touchdowns during his abbreviated year. Then, he flashed the dual-threat potential which made him a high draft selection in the first place.
But after Richardson fell behind Daniel Jones on the depth chart this past season, speculation began to grow about a potential fresh start.
Richardson remains a high-upside swing potentially available to Miami this offseason. If they pull the trigger on a deal, the Dolphins could uncover their long-term answer at the position.
That said, if the Dolphins are looking for more of a bridge quarterback, Philadelphia Eagles backup QB Tanner McKee remains another key name to monitor.
When given the opportunity, McKee has impressed. In six career games over his first two years, McKee threw for almost 600 yards with five touchdowns and one interception. McKee operates efficiently within structure, showing comfort in timing-based concepts and working through progressions. Those traits would appeal to a team searching for stability over flash.
While his physical upside is limited in comparison to Richardson, McKee’s floor may be higher in the short-term.
Names to Watch For in Free Agency
Looking at potential Miami Dolphins’ QB options via signing a free agent, there’s one candidate with clear ties to the new management and coach.
Backup QB Malik Willis appears to be a clear fit, especially considering the Dolphins’ new head coach and general manager were last with the Green Bay Packers. Willis impressed with the Packers when he was given the chance to start.
In limited action as a starter, filling in for the injured Jordan Love, Willis protected the football and added value as a runner. He accounted for five total touchdowns, no interceptions and 545 scrimmage yards in four games in 2025.
Willis remains in position to draw meaningful interest on the open market this offseason. Miami could provide him with his first real opportunity to secure a long-term starting role.
If the Miami Dolphins still opt to draft a quarterback in the upcoming NFL Draft, it could look to also pair that selection with a veteran mentor. Los Angeles Rams QB Jimmy Garoppolo could be a “name to keep an eye on,” according to NFL Network reporter Cameron Wolfe.
Garoppolo brings extensive experience from multiple offensive systems. He also previously served as a capable QB in guiding a playoff-caliber roster, at least earlier in his career. However, durability concerns and limited mobility make him more of a short-term stabilizer, rather than a long-term solution.
Draft Options
Looking past free agency, there are several notable Miami Dolphins’ QB options to be found via the draft.
If Miami opts to pick a quarterback in the draft, Alabama’s Ty Simpson should be at the top of its list.
Many draft analysts continue to view Simpson as a first-round selection. Simpson played well early in his most recent college football season. But, various injuries and inconsistent play toward the end of the year the stretch of the year contributed to a slide on draft boards.
At his best, Simpson displays strong arm talent, good pocket mobility and the ability to throw with anticipation. These remain tools suggesting starter potential, should he develop properly. A team could still very well pick him in the first round this spring.
If Miami prefers a later-round developmental option, Arkansas’s Taylen Green may be the answer here.
Green has the size and athletic profile teams covet in high-upside prospects. However, his inconsistency shows up in his footwork and accuracy, particularly on intermediate throws.
Given his physical tools, Green could see his stock rise during pre-draft testing at the NFL Combine, where quarterbacks with high-end physical tools, such as Anthony Richardson and Joe Milton III, often generate buzz.
With Jon-Eric Sullivan coming from the Packers, a team known for adding quarterbacks based on traits like those of Love and Willis, Green could be an intriguing developmental fit with this Miami Dolphins offense.
However they approach it, the Miami Dolphins’ QB options for 2026 and beyond can come through multiple ways. Regardless of what happens, it’s a choice that will have significant ramifications for the franchise.
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