So much speculation has surrounded the Dolphins and how they will handle their quarterback situation in the coming months. We’ve covered Miami’s endless options via the 2020 NFL Draft, but what if Miami’s solution lies in free agency this offseason and not via a rookie this offseason? Miami is not obligated to pick their quarterback in the 2020 NFL draft, they could very well choose to wait for the 2021 NFL draft — depending on what the options look like when the team gets on the clock. That seems like a huge risk, but free agency would play a key role in this scenario.
If the Dolphins feel they will lose out on LSU quarterback Joe Burrow and are unsure on if they want to draft Alabama quarterback Tua Tagovailoa, perhaps they opt to kick that investment down the road a bit and build the rest of the roster. Now, if Tagovailoa and other quarterbacks, such as Utah State quarterback Jordan Love and/or Georgia’s Jake Fromm all choose to stay in school, then the 2021 draft becomes the place for them to get their quarterback no matter what.
In these scenarios, free agency takes the pressure off and could hold the key. The Dolphins will get yet another chance to sign Miami native Teddy Bridgewater. Miami courted the Saints’ backup this past offseason before Bridgewater opted to return to New Orleans once again — where he showed he is a legitimate NFL quarterback in place of injured Drew Brees. In just five games, Bridgewater threw for 1,370 yards nine touchdowns and two interceptions, all while completing 67.7% of his passes. The New Orleans Saints won all five starts under Bridgewater this season.
If general manager Chris Grier lands Bridgewater, then the Dolphins’ options at the quarterback position become wide open, even more than they already are. With Bridgewater in place, the Dolphins could decide to draft Tagovailoa and redshirt him for a full season. They have an option of starting the year out with Bridgewater as the starter, Josh Rosen as the backup and Tagovailoa on the physically unable to perform (PUP) list.
If, for whatever reason, Chris Grier decides to pass on quarterback this year, Bridgewater is a nice bridge for a drafted quarterback in 2021. Even if they use a lot of picks to move up in the 2021 draft (two in the first and two in the second), they still have a safe option in Bridgewater.
All of this without mentioning that Bridgewater doesn’t turn 28 until next November!
Out of all of the options the Dolphins have at addressing their quarterback situation, going after a fairly young and hungry quarterback like Bridgewater could easily give the Dolphins an Alex Smith veteran presence ahead of a rookie quarterback.
Imagine the type of roster the Dolphins could build with their draft picks this year by not taking a quarterback and waiting for 2021. They could realistically attack both the offensive line and defensive lines, while also adding playmakers.
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