Quarterback Next Priority For Dolphins

Author: Bruce Lamb

Now that the coaching search has ended for the Miami Dolphins, the next major hurdle on the offseason checklist is going to be to find a new quarterback.  Jeff Ireland stated the Dolphins need to find someone to 'get them over the hump.'  The Dolphins will explore the free agent market and the draft to get that guy. 

Current starter Matt Moore played well during his 12 starts this season, finishing with a 6-6 record.  However, in those 6 loses, Moore had a chance to lead the team to a victory in the 4th quarter in 4 of those loses and wasn't able to get it done.  He seems to lack that killer ability to lead a team to victory late in the game, that seems to be the 'hump' that Ireland is talking about.

Possible free agents the Dolphins may target are Matt Flynn, and Peyton Manning.  Neither one of these guys are free agents yet, Flynn could still get the franchise tag, though that is unlikely, and Manning hasn't been released by the Colts.  Should both become free agents, it's still unclear who Miami would target.  Flynn has worked with Philbin his entire NFL career, and knows the offense well.  He played great in his only two starts the past 2 seasons, and is going to be a hot commodity should the Packers let him walk.  Manning on the other hand has tons of questions.  Will he be healthy enough to play?  How much will he cost?  Who would Miami draft to groom while Manning plays the next 2 or 3 years? 

In the draft the top 3 prospects are Andrew Luck, RGIII, and Ryan Tannehill. Getting a shot at Luck or RGIII will require Miami to trade up.  Luck is almost out of the question, but RGIII could be had if the Dolphins are willing to give up a lot to get him.  The price tag for him is expected to be two #1's and possibly a 3rd round pick.  Though this seems like a lot to give up, if Miami really feels like they are only a few pieces away from having a championship caliber team, they shouldn't balk at making the deal.  Tannehill is considered a distant 3rd, but will likely be available in round one and potentially in round 2 should Miami want him.

We will have a better idea on which direction Miami will go once they get their offensive coordinator in place.  The leader at this time is former Texas A&M head coach Mike Sherman, but he is about to have a second interview with Tampa Bay for their head coaching vacancy.  Should he go to Miami, the Dolphins will have great insight on what Tannehill and Flynn can do.  Sherman has coached Tannehill, and Philbin has coached Flynn, it seems logical that one of those two will be in a Dolphins uniform next season.  Of course, knowing how Ireland operates, no one will know exactly who Miami really wants and it will stay that way until they do make a run at their guy. 

Phins Up!

BEL