In light of Miami Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa’s lack of availability along with the inconsistent play Miami received from its backup signal-callers in the 2024 season, it would probably be in the Dolphins’ best interest to fortify their depth at the position before the 2025 campaign starts up.
Miami was linked to several young quarterbacks who were at the Senior Bowl a few days back, but it’s also worth noting that ESPN’s Marcel Louis-Jacques reported in January that the Dolphins are unlikely to select a quarterback with the No. 13 overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft.
An experienced NFL quarterback who maybe would be a more reliable reserve behind Tagovailoa than a draft prospect is Marcus Mariota, and ESPN’s Adam Schefter has connected the former No. 2 overall pick to Miami.
"There could be a little bit of interest in Marcus Mariota between the Raiders and Dolphins..
He's gonna have some choices this offseason"@AdamSchefter #PMSLive pic.twitter.com/H1vRP3IPuE
— Pat McAfee (@PatMcAfeeShow) February 3, 2025
Mariota is a free agent this offseason after he spent the 2024 campaign backing up rookie signal-caller Jayden Daniels on the Washington Commanders.
The 31-year-old appeared in only three games and logged zero starts with Washington in the regular season. He totaled 364 passing yards and 22 first downs passing as well as four passing touchdowns compared to zero interceptions.
In addition, Mariota saw the field in three playoff games with the Commanders, though he didn’t finish with so much as a single completed pass in that span. The Commanders saw their playoff run come to an end at the hands of the Philadelphia Eagles in the NFC Championship Game.
Mariota didn’t get much run time with Washington, but he was an impactful starting quarterback as recently as the 2022 season. He started in 13 games with the Atlanta Falcons that season and threw for 15 touchdowns and picked up 111 first downs through the air.
Also, he started 61 games with the Tennessee Titans early on in his pro career, and the Titans even had a 9-6 record with him as their starter in the 2017 season.
Mariota could provide the Dolphins with a steady hand behind Tagovailoa at the all-important quarterback spot should he sign with Miami in free agency. Miami fans should keep their fingers crossed in the hope that the stars align and Mariota ends up with the Dolphins.
