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Backup quarterback in question for the Miami Dolphins

By Justen Rosenberg

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For nearly two decades, the Miami Dolphins were in a never-ending battle of attempting to solidify the team’s most important position – quarterback.

A.J. Feeley. Joey Harrington. Daunte Culpepper. John Beck. Chad Henne.

These are just five of the 17 quarterbacks that have tried, and unsuccessfully started for the Dolphins since the 1999 season.

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As of now, the Dolphins look to have found their answer. That answer is Ryan Tannehill, the team’s first round pick in 2012.

After his first three seasons in the NFL, the Texas A&M standout has progressed nicely, having a breakout season in 2014, posting career bests in each major quarterback statistics; including 4,045 passing yards, 27 touchdowns, 66.4% completion and a passer rating of 92.8.

Now, entering his fourth season in the league, the Dolphins are looking to sign Tannehill to a long-term contract extension. Tannehill is the future of the team. There is no denying that. But, after Tannehill, what do the Dolphins have to boast?

Right now, it is Matt Moore and McLeod Bethel-Thompson. In a couple of weeks, Miami will have no answer, as both Moore and Bethel-Thompson are set to become free agents.

Moore, who was originally brought in by Miami in 2011 as Chad Henne’s backup, has found a nice home with the Dolphins.

In his first season with Miami, Moore replaced the struggling Henne, playing in a total of 13 games. During this time, Moore had a respectable 2,497 passing yards, 16 touchdowns and nine interceptions. However, since then, Moore has played in a mere five games, serving as the primary backup to Tannehill. In this span, Moore has thrown just one touchdown and two interceptions.

With the 2014 season now in the past, Moore is set to hit the open market. But despite minimal playing time over the last three seasons, Moore is considered one of the top quarterbacks in what is an extremely weak class.

While resigning Moore is not one of Miami’s top priorities, you have to assume he will get a contract offer. But even if Miami extends an offer to Moore, the possibility of him choosing another team that would give him the opportunity to start is always likely. At the age of 30 (will be 31 when the season starts), Moore might be looking for one last opportunity as a starter.

In an ESPN article by James Walker, Moore was quoted saying, “If the situation is right, that will happen,” Moore said of coming back. “If there’s a situation elsewhere that is intriguing, it might also happen.”

On the other hand, Bethel-Thompson went undrafted in 2011 and has been a member of four NFL teams. He has yet to play a down in the NFL.

If Moore is in another jersey next season, Miami must find a formidable replacement – whether it is through free agency or the NFL Draft.

For Miami, they are attempting to close in on a playoff berth. Drafting a quarterback in the later rounds could be an option; however, if anything were to happen to Tannehill, promoting a rookie to the helm could hold them back.

Again, the free agency class for quarterbacks isn’t anything to rave about. Still, there are some veteran quarterbacks that would constitute as a serviceable backup.

If Moore decides to walk, one name that Miami could look to sign is Jason Campbell. Campbell, who was a first round pick in 2005, has had a fairly successful NFL career. He is not a star, but as a former starter with a 60% career completion percentage and a positive touchdown-to-interception ratio, Campbell would be a smooth transition from Moore for the backup spot.

Whether it is Moore, Campbell, another free agent or a rookie, the Dolphins must find themselves a back up to Tannehill. Tannehill is their guy moving forward. No one is questioning that. What is being questioned, though, is how they can fill a potential hole at the backup quarterback spot.

Next: Are the Miami Dolphins a playoff contender?

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