The Miami Dolphins are on the hunt for a reliable backup quarterback this offseason, positioning themselves for potential roster improvements. With the Las Vegas Raiders set to release Gardner Minshew, the Dolphins now have another possible candidate to consider. Minshew's past success with the Philadelphia Eagles, where he maintained a passer rating of 104.8 during a short stint, contrasts sharply with his recent struggles at the Raiders, where he achieved a career-low rating of 81.0.

As the free agency period approaches, the market for backup quarterbacks appears increasingly competitive. While Sam Darnold is a leading option for teams in need of a starter, Miami could look at veterans like Marcus Mariota, Carson Wentz, or Tyler Huntley. Although Huntley demonstrated dual-threat capabilities in 2024, his inconsistency raises concerns about his fit. The Dolphins must weigh all options carefully, balancing experience and performance as they seek to bolster their quarterback depth.

The Miami Dolphins are preparing for the 2025 NFL free agent market, likely targeting to re-sign around a third of their 26 pending unrestricted free agents. Traditionally, they have re-signed about eight players from this group based on past seasons. Key names include QB Tyler Huntley, RB Jeff Wilson Jr., and WR Braxton Berrios. The Dolphins have already re-signed several players from last year’s contingent, such as Kendall Lamm and Isaiah Wynn, suggesting a favorable trend in keeping core talent in Miami.

Some players, like Kendall Lamm, are uncertain about their future following back surgery, while others like Braxton Berrios and Jeff Wilson Jr. face pivotal moments in their careers as they approach free agency for the second time. The team previously re-signed several players to one-year contracts, indicating a strategy of short-term commitments with the potential for future negotiations.

Former Miami Dolphins quarterback Skylar Thompson has signed a futures contract with the Pittsburgh Steelers, marking the next chapter in his NFL career. Announced by both the team and Thompson's agency, this move provides him an opportunity to compete for a roster spot during the offseason and training camp.

Thompson began his NFL journey with the Dolphins after being selected in the seventh round of the 2022 draft. Throughout his initial three seasons, he faced a mixed bag of challenges. Notably, he secured the backup quarterback role over Mike White last season, even starting a playoff game against the Buffalo Bills.

Despite his early promise, Thompson's performance faltered when called upon in the 2023 season, particularly during a game against the Seattle Seahawks where he sustained a rib injury. Following that, he struggled to capitalize on opportunities, including a fumble in a game against the New England Patriots that led to a touchdown for the opposition.

The Miami Dolphins are set to retain their front office leadership, with Chris Grier and Mike McDaniel tasked with determining which of their 26 impending unrestricted free agents to re-sign for the upcoming season.

Among the nine starters from the previous season who are entering free agency are key players like QB Tyler Huntley and S Jevon Holland. The Dolphins' strategy may revolve around balancing financial constraints and performance when deciding on contract renewals.

Some players, such as LB Tyrel Dodson and G/T Isaiah Wynn, are expected to have a higher likelihood of returning due to their contributions last season.

The Miami Dolphins wrapped up a disappointing season with a 32-20 loss to the New York Jets, finishing with a record of 8-9. The season finale highlighted the team's struggles, featuring turnovers and poor performance across the board. Despite a promising day from rookie running back De'Von Achane, who rushed for 121 yards, the overall ground game was underwhelming. Quarterback Tyler Huntley had a nightmarish performance, raising doubts about his future role.

On defense, the Dolphins managed to contain the Jets' rushing game but were unable to effectively defend against quarterback Aaron Rodgers, who threw four touchdowns. The special teams unit stood out positively, led by kicker Jason Sanders. However, coaching decisions, particularly from head coach Mike McDaniel, were heavily criticized, contributing to the team's disappointing season.