5 reasons why Dolphins should call Ryan Tannehill after Tua Tagovailoa's injury/concussion
The Miami Dolphins saw Tua Tagovailoa throw three interceptions in their Thursday Night Football game against the Buffalo Bills during Week 2 of the 2024 NFL season. He then proceeded to get a concussion in the third quarter that ruled him out for the rest of the game. Given his history of concussions, this is a serious worry for the quarterback.
From the team's perspective, though, they have a roster filled with great offensive weapons but they need a quarterback to helm it. With Tagovailoa injured and potentially facing a spell on the sidelines, Ryan Tannehill is among several options they could sign. The former Tennessee Titans starter and Pro Bowler is currently a free agent.
Here are five reasons why he might be the best option for the Dolphins.
5 reasons why Ryan Tannehill should replace Tua Tagovailoa under center for Miami Dolphins
#1. Return to familiar setup for Ryan Tannehill
For Ryan Tannehill, joining Miami could be the perfect way to spend the last few years of his career. Not only is the weather much warmer in the winter months but he was drafted by the same franchise when he first joined the NFL and was the starter there for some time before he moved to Tennessee.
Therefore, if he returns, there will likely be fewer adjustment periods in terms of settling in the area and getting to know how the franchise works. Tannehill also knows the stadium, the field and the locker rooms. All that would be needed would be to pick up on the playbook again but given that other off-field distractions will be minimal, he could do a better job here than anywhere else. For the Dolphins too, it seems like the right fit.
#2. Tua Tagovailoa's career trajectory remains uncertain
This is Tua Tagovailoa's third confirmed concussion since 2022. He had one in his college career as well. The link between repeated head injuries and CTE is a worrying sign for his health long after football is over.
He needs to make a serious decision about his future. Though he has a $212 million contract, he may have to take a firm stand on what his life after football is going to look like.
Ryan Tannehill has said that he would like to go to a place where there is a long-term chance of being a starter. Miami Dolphins, heartbreakingly given Tua Tagovailoa's latest concussion, might offer that opportunity.
#3. Skylar Thompson did not show enough
The Dolphins have Tyreek Hill, Jaylen Waddle, Odell Beckham Jr., Raheem Mostert and De'Von Achane, to name just a few of the offensive weapons. Against the Bills, when backup quarterback Skylar Thompson came in for Tagovailoa, he managed just 80 yards of passing offense and a 73.5 passer rating.
To be fair, he came on when the Dolphins were already trailing by more than two scores and had little more than a quarter to make his mark. But it was still eye-opening to see him overshoot his targets and not seem like he could take the game by the scruff of the neck.
#4. Need for competition irrespective of the situation
Talking about insurance options, the Miami Dolphins will need to think about Tua Tagovailoa's future based purely on sporting merit. Despite having one of the best offenses in the game, he has yet to win a playoff game and has the habit of tailing off as the regular season concludes. While he is the franchise quarterback, they need competition to spur him on, or whoever is under center this season, and keep him on his toes.
Even before the concussion today, the former Alabama QB had three interceptions, one of which was returned for a touchdown. Having someone with the experience of Ryan Tannehill should not only benefit him, if and when he returns, but also help push him harder and learn how to improve his game.
#5. Jumping before other QB-needy teams do
There are rumors that the Green Bay Packers want to sign Ryan Tannehill after Jordan Love's injury in the season opener against the Philadelphia Eagles. The Packers star is expected to be out for several weeks and the backup options are seemingly not too appealing for Green Bay.
They might be on the lookout for a veteran quarterback like Ryan Tannehill as well. If that is the case, then the Dolphins need to reach out first and make sure that they get him before someone else snaps him up.