As Dolphins seek backup QB, Bevell sets record straight. And the biggest problem to fix
As the Dolphins prepare to address backup quarterback with Marcus Mariota, Jimmy Garoppolo or some other option in free agency, here’s a question that comes up from time to time:
Do the Dolphins limit themselves in terms of viable backup quarterback options because of the complex system they run?
Because of the elite timing and accuracy needed to run this offense, there’s a perception that only a finite amount of quarterbacks are equipped to play in this system. But quarterbacks coach Darrell Bevell says that’s not accurate.
Asked late last season if any quarterback who’s talented and smart can play in this system, or does it take something unusual and special beyond that, here’s what Bevell said:
“I would like to think we can take talented players and put them in the offense and we can get success out of them. It might not look the same as we’re getting with Tua [Tagovailoa]. You put any player in the best light you can with the skill set you have. That’s where coaching can have an impact on it.”
But is it more difficult to come to the Dolphins as a quarterback and learn the system than it is elsewhere?
“I don’t think it’s harder to come in here and learn quarterback than in other places,” Bevell said. “There are similar concepts [with other teams where] players that have been playing [elsewhere] can fall back on that. You can carry [things] over. The one thing that sets us apart a little bit is the timing with our feet and the timing with your anticipation to let the ball go. That’s one thing you see with Tua the most.”
The good news is that two of the top options for the Dolphins’ backup QB job - Mariota and Garoppolo - are ideal fits for McDaniel’s system. It would be disappointing if Miami didn’t get a commitment from one of those two, or someone of similar skill by next Tuesday, the second day of free agency.
For the Dolphins, sticking with Tyler Huntley as the backup quarterback is far less likely after he threw two interceptions and played poorly in the season-ending 32-20 loss at the Jets. Huntley went 2-3 as a starter, with three touchdowns, three interceptions and an 81 passer rating.
Huntley warns that the Dolphins’ offense is “a very complex system that you have to learn. The couple weeks I had just being here, I thought it was pretty cool that I was able to pick it up. It took time for me to actually learn and get into the system. It’s one of the harder systems in the league. But once you get it, you get it.”
He said mastering timing and footwork is “90 percent of it” in this system.
If the Dolphins don’t land Mariota or Garoppolo, there is no shortage of other free agent options: Justin Fields, Aaron Rodgers, Russell Wilson, Jameis Winston, Cooper Rush, Mac Jones, Carson Wentz, Joe Flacco, Mason Rudolph, Drew Lock, Zach Wilson, Trey Lance and Jarrett Stidham. Las Vegas reportedly will release Gardner Minshew.
Fields, Rodgers and Wilson are expected to seek starting jobs. So will Sam Darnold, who stands to make the most money of all the free agent quarterbacks.
The problem is that competent backup quarterbacks aren’t cheap, and the Dolphins have limited cap space and eight starting positions to fill in free agency, plus numerous backup positions.
As perspective, Jacoby Brissett — considered one of the NFL’s better backups and a former Dolphin — earned $8 million on a one-year deal for New England last season.
Mariota earned $6 million in one year with the Commanders in 2024, with another $6 million in incentives.
Darnold signed a one-year, $10 million deal with Minnesota last spring, including $8.75 million guaranteed. He ended up starting and playing very well until late in the season.
Flacco played for the Colts on a one-year deal worth up to $8.7 million, with $4.5 million guaranteed.
The Jets, last offseason, signed Tyrod Taylor to a two-year, $12 million deal, with $8.5 million guaranteed.
The Raiders, last March, signed Minshew to a two-year, $25 million deal that includes $15 million guaranteed.
On the flip side, Garappolo earned just $3.2 million on a year-deal with the Rams and probably wouldn’t break the bank. He would be an affordable option for Miami.
The Chiefs paid Wentz $3.3 million on a one-year deal, with $2.2 million guaranteed.
Winston, who can be very good but seems too mistake-prone for Miami’s system, had a $4 million base salary with another $4 million in incentives for Cleveland last season.
What seems clear is that a backup QB will be prioritized early in free agency.
Running numbers
Among the stunning metrics shared on social media this past week:
NFL analytics guru Warren Sharp noted that not only did the Dolphins have the highest percentage of runs that went for a loss or no gain last season, but there was no team even close to that level of inefficiency. Twenty eight percent of Miami’s runs either lost yardage or gained no yards; Houston was next closest at 23 percent.
Sharp noted that “the Dolphins’ 28 percent rate of stuffed runs for no gain was the highest of any NFL team since 2017” and that on third and fourth down “it was flat out embarrassing.”
Sharp said that “an incredible 46 percent of their third/fourth down running back runs were stuffed” (meaning a loss or no gain) and that was the worst rate of stuffed runs on third and fourth down” in the NFL since 2019.
For every previous year this century, the Dolphins were never nearly as bad at third/fourth down runs as they were last year. Their previous worst percentage of converted third and fourth down runs was 35 percent. So 46 percent, as Sharp noted on X, was “abysmal.”
Though the running backs weren’t blameless, the root of the problem was obviously the offensive line, particularly the guard play. That is expected to be addressed early in free agency.
This story was originally published March 6, 2025 at 10:22 AM.
