5 NFL free agent QBs Dolphins should target after Tua Tagovailoa’s concussion feat. Ryan Tannehill 

Tua Tagovailoa suffered a concussion in the third quarter of the Miami Dolphins' 31-10 loss against the Buffalo Bills at Hard Rock Stadium on Thursday. This was the third time he had been diagnosed with the ailment.

Tagovailoa suffered two concussions in the 2022 regular season and missed games on both occasions. Backup Skylar Thompson played in all eight games Tagovailoa missed that season due to concussion and other injuries, including their Wild Card round loss in the playoffs to the Bills.

However, he was the third-stringer at the time and was thrust into the team after veteran backup Teddy Bridgewater also suffered a head injury. With Tagovailoa expected to miss the Dolphins' trip to Seattle in Week 3, Thompson will likely start the game.

However, Miami is among the few teams with only two quarterbacks on their 53-man roster. They'll likely promote veteran Tim Boyle to the active roster from the practice squad for the game against the Seahawks.

If Tagovailoa is sidelined for multiple games, they could dip their toes into the free-agent market for a temporary replacement.

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Five free agent QBs Dolphins could target to replace Tua Tagovailoa

#1. Ryan Tannehill

Ryan Tannehill (Image Source: IMAGN)

Ryan Tannehill is arguably the best quarterback available in the free-agent market. The veteran quarterback is yet to sign with a team after his exit from the Tennessee Titans at the end of the 2023 season. He could not only mentor Thompson on the bench but can step in and execute head coach Mike McDaniel's game plan if needed.

#2. Mike White

Mike White (Image Source: IMAGN)

The Dolphins could bring back a familiar face in Mike White. He signed a two-year, $8 million deal with Miami in the 2023 offseason to be their backup quarterback. However, the team cut him in August and retained Thompson, who is still on his rookie deal.

White appeared in six games for the Dolphins last season. He threw six passes and completed five for 74 yards and a touchdown. The veteran is already familiar with McDaniel's playbook, making him the most logical short-term option for the team.

#3. Blaine Gabbert

Blaine Gabbert (Image Source: IMAGN)

Blaine Gabbert is another veteran option that the Dolphins could pursue. He has played 69 games in his 12-year NFL career and has thrown for 9,487 yards and 51 touchdowns with 50 interceptions. He spent the 2023 season with the Kansas City Chiefs and has been a free agent since.

Gabbert is among the most experienced free agents available. His numbers suggest he could be a gunslinger who can deliver the ball to Tyreek Hill and Jaylen Waddle deep downfield.

#4. Brian Hoyer

Brian Hoyer (Image Source: IMAGN)

The Dolphins could look to sign Brian Hoyer to a short-term deal if they want a tried-and-tested option on the bench. The 15-year veteran has spent most of his career as a journeyman backup. However, he has still racked up 10,899 passing and 53 passing touchdowns with 37 interceptions.

He has played for eight teams and is well-versed with what's expected of a backup quarterback. Perhaps, Miami could be the ninth destination on his resume.

#5. Trevor Siemian

Trevor Siemian (Image Source: IMAGN)

Trevor Siemian started three games and played five in total for the New York Jets last season. He completed 58.5% of his passes for 724 yards, and two touchdowns with four interceptions. He's not the most exciting option but could do the job as a short-term replacement for Tagovailoa.

It's slim pickings in the free agency market for the Dolphins. They'll either have to trust Boyle to step in and be serviceable if Thompson gets hurt or they could sign a veteran like Tannehill to give themselves a better chance of winning if Tagovailoa's backup goes down.