Miami Dolphins’ NFL Free Agency Plan Must Involve Quality Backup QB, Guards
As the NFL offseason continues to unfold, the Miami Dolphins have an important task ahead of them in free agency. Coming off a solid 2024 season, which saw them make significant strides under head coach Mike McDaniel, the Dolphins are looking to build a Super Bowl-contending team. However, while the Dolphins have a roster full of talent, especially on offense and defense, there are still critical areas that need to be addressed to help the team take the next step.
The most pressing needs that the Dolphins must address in free agency are finding a quality backup quarterback and adding depth at the guard position on the offensive line. While these might not be the most glamorous positions, both are vital to the team’s success in 2025 and beyond.
Here’s why the Dolphins should prioritize these two positions in free agency and which players they should target to provide depth and stability to their roster.
1. Backup Quarterback: The Importance of Solidifying the QB Room
One of the most critical positions on any NFL team is quarterback, and for the Miami Dolphins, Tua Tagovailoa is the face of the franchise. However, his injury history has been a significant concern throughout his career. While Tua showed significant improvement during the 2024 season and has clearly established himself as the starting quarterback, the reality is that having a reliable backup quarterback is crucial in today’s NFL.
The Dolphins saw firsthand in 2024 how quickly things can turn south if their starting quarterback goes down with an injury. While Skylar Thompson and Mike White served as the backup options, neither showed the consistency and reliability needed to keep the team in contention if Tua were to miss extended time. As the team pushes for a deeper playoff run in 2025, a quality backup quarterback will not only provide stability if Tua gets injured but will also help the coaching staff have more confidence in the game plan should Tagovailoa need to miss any games.
Backup QB Options:
There are several veteran quarterbacks on the market who could step in and give the Dolphins more confidence behind Tua.
1. Gardner Minshew (Indianapolis Colts)
Overview: Gardner Minshew has built a reputation in the NFL as a reliable, if not spectacular, backup quarterback. Known for his confidence, ability to make plays on the move, and solid accuracy, Minshew would provide Miami with a much-needed safety net in case Tua were to go down.
Why He’s a Fit: Minshew has experience starting in the NFL, having spent time as the starter for both the Jacksonville Jaguars and Indianapolis Colts. He’s shown that he can be an effective quarterback in a pinch, and his ability to step in and run an offense without missing a beat would be incredibly valuable to Miami. Minshew has also shown that he can thrive in a pass-heavy system, which would work well in Mike McDaniel’s offensive scheme.
2. Andy Dalton (New Orleans Saints)
Overview: Andy Dalton, a longtime veteran quarterback, has had a career full of ups and downs. After his time with the Cincinnati Bengals, Dalton bounced around to other teams as a backup and has proven to be a solid and reliable backup option. In 2024 with the New Orleans Saints, Dalton showed that he still has the ability to run a pro-style offense and keep his team in games.
Why He’s a Fit: Dalton’s experience would be invaluable for the Dolphins, particularly in the event of an injury to Tua. He is capable of stepping in and running an offense with minimal drop-off in play. He also brings leadership to the table, which could be essential for keeping the team competitive in the event that Tua misses time.
3. Teddy Bridgewater (Miami Dolphins, 2022)
Overview: Teddy Bridgewater is familiar with the Dolphins’ system after playing for the team in 2022. His calm demeanor, accurate passing, and leadership make him an ideal backup quarterback. While his tenure with the Dolphins was not a major success in 2022, his familiarity with the coaching staff and offensive system could make him a reasonable option for Miami as a backup.
Why He’s a Fit: Bridgewater’s relationship with the coaching staff and the Dolphins’ players could make him a seamless transition back into the locker room. While he might not have the same upside as Minshew or Dalton, he offers stability and reliability, which is exactly what Miami needs behind Tua. Having a veteran like Bridgewater in the quarterback room would ensure the Dolphins have someone who is not only competent but also knows the team’s system well.
2. Guards: Reinforcing the Offensive Line for a Title Run
While the quarterback position has rightfully garnered most of the attention in Miami’s offseason plans, the offensive line, specifically the guard positions, must also be addressed in free agency. The Dolphins’ offensive line has shown improvement, but it remains a weak point in an otherwise talented offense. Tua Tagovailoa has shown that he can be a dynamic quarterback, but his effectiveness is often hindered by poor protection, especially from the interior of the line.
In 2024, Miami’s interior offensive line struggled at times to create running lanes and keep Tua clean in the pocket. With a healthy Raheem Mostert and De’Von Achane in the backfield, the Dolphins need to bolster the interior of the offensive line in order to establish a more consistent running game and provide Tagovailoa with more time to read the defense.
Guard Options:
The Dolphins should look to add one or two starting-caliber guards in free agency. Here are some top options to consider:
**1. Ben Powers (Baltimore Ravens)
Overview: Ben Powers is one of the top guard free agents on the market. After an impressive run with the Baltimore Ravens, Powers has proven to be an effective starter with excellent pass-blocking ability and strong run-blocking skills. He has the physicality to dominate at the point of attack and would immediately improve any offensive line.
Why He’s a Fit: Powers could be an ideal fit for the Dolphins, especially as a replacement for Liam Eichenberg or Solomon Kindley, who have shown inconsistency at times. Powers’ ability to anchor in pass protection and provide a solid presence in the running game would help solidify Miami’s interior offensive line. His durability and experience in a run-heavy offense would make him a great addition to the Dolphins’ offensive line.
**2. Isaiah Wynn (New England Patriots)
Overview: Isaiah Wynn has been a key contributor to the New England Patriots’ offensive line, but his tenure has been marked by injuries and inconsistencies. When healthy, however, Wynn is a highly effective left guard and has shown that he can be a difference-maker on the field.
Why He’s a Fit: Wynn has experience playing in both power-run and pass-heavy offenses, making him a versatile fit for Miami’s system. He has the potential to be a solid starter if he can stay healthy. The Dolphins would benefit from Wynn’s ability to protect Tua, especially against edge rushers in the AFC East. If Miami can sign Wynn to a short-term, incentive-laden deal, they could get great value from a player with starting potential.
**3. Mike McGlinchey (San Francisco 49ers)
Overview: Mike McGlinchey, who is technically a tackle, has been highly effective for the San Francisco 49ers, particularly in run-blocking schemes. While he may be best known as a tackle, McGlinchey’s flexibility and experience on the interior could make him a viable option for Miami at guard.
Why He’s a Fit: McGlinchey’s familiarity with coach Mike McDaniel’s offensive system from their time together in San Francisco makes him an intriguing option. His ability to move inside to guard, where his power and strength in the run game could thrive, would make him a powerful addition to Miami’s offensive line. Given his experience in the 49ers’ zone-blocking scheme, McGlinchey would also be a good fit for the Dolphins’ running game.
**4. Ethan Pocic (Cleveland Browns)
Overview: Ethan Pocic may not be as widely known as some of the other guards on the market, but he had an excellent 2024 season with the Cleveland Browns. Pocic is known for his high football IQ, solid technique, and ability to both pass block and run block effectively. He could step into a starting role immediately for Miami and provide a steady presence on the interior of the offensive line.
Why He’s a Fit: Pocic’s consistency and leadership on the offensive line would be an asset to the Dolphins. With his ability to protect the quarterback and open running lanes, Pocic would help stabilize the interior offensive line and give Tagovailoa more time in the pocket. As a relatively younger player, Pocic would also provide long-term value for Miami.