NFL 2023: Predicting the starting QB for all 32 teams pre-NFL Free Agency

Miami Dolphins: Tua Tagovailoa

Possible backup options: Teddy Bridgewater, Andy Dalton, Matt Ryan, Drew Lock, Taylor Heinicke

Year one of the Mike McDaniel era for the Miami Dolphins has to be considered a pretty resounding success. Although the team was a quick exit from the playoffs, a handful of things were accomplished:

• The playoffs were, in fact, made
• They beat every team in their division at least once
• Tua Tagovailoa took a huge step forward as a player
• Tyreek Hill’s presence changed the dynamic of the offense
• Top 5 passing team despite injuries at QB

McDaniel came into Miami and did exactly what the team hoped he could do. The problem is, Tua Tagovailoa’s injury issues are more than concerning — they are downright scary at this point. Tagovailoa suffered a couple of the more horrific injury scares in the league last year and people are wondering whether it’s the best choice for him to be playing football at this point.

How will that impact Miami’s offseason? Maybe they go out and get another top-flight backup like they did with Teddy Bridgewater last year, only maybe someone who doesn’t have the same types of injury issues. Maybe someone like Matt Ryan, Taylor Heinicke, or Andy Dalton could make some sense.

Heck, the way Tua played in Mike McDaniel’s offense, throw Drew Lock in the mix. On second thought, with Vic Fangio in the building, maybe not…