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.

Tua Tagovailoa, the Miami Dolphins' quarterback, was spotted in a series of Instagram posts by Ivanka Trump, where he appeared alongside wide receiver Braxton Berrios and Jared Kushner. The photos showcased a lighthearted moment, including Tua playing chess with Kushner’s son and tossing a football.

Tagovailoa, who recently celebrated his 27th birthday, is transitioning into the upcoming season with a hefty contract extension. He led the NFL with a 72.9% completion rate last season, despite battling several injuries that sidelined him for critical games, contributing to the Dolphins' failure to make the playoffs. Meanwhile, Berrios enters free agency, seeking new opportunities as a versatile receiving talent.

The Miami Dolphins face an important offseason as they look to solidify their backup quarterback position. The team's performance suffered during the 2024 season when starter Tua Tagovailoa missed six games due to injuries, leading to a 2-4 record. Dolphins head coach Mike McDaniel humorously noted that they are open to both free agency and the draft to find Tagovailoa's backup. General Manager Chris Grier indicated that they had actively pursued quality backup options last season but faced financial constraints.

Names like Marcus Mariota and Jimmy Garoppolo have been discussed as potential fits, given their quarterback experience and familiarity with the Dolphins' offensive schemes. The Dolphins aim to secure a reliable veteran who can effectively lead the team during Tagovailoa's absences. With a total of ten draft picks, acquiring a promising rookie backup is also on the table, but priority will be on securing an immediate solution through free agency.

The Miami Dolphins made a strong impression at the NFL scouting combine, with coach Mike McDaniel providing insightful commentary and addressing key team issues. Notably, left tackle Terron Armstead has reportedly offered to reduce his salary, potentially giving the Dolphins an extra $14 million in cap space for free agency. However, his future with the team remains uncertain as he deliberates over returning for a 13th season.

As the Dolphins prepare for free agency and the draft, a decision from Armstead is crucial. If he opts to return, the team may need to reconsider its plans for a backup left tackle. McDaniel's comments reflected a proactive mindset, acknowledging the necessity for immediate contributions from draft picks, especially given the team's playoff aspirations.