Considering the Dolphins’ ‘Wild Card’ Draft Shedeur Sanders

In the ever-evolving landscape of the NFL Draft, every year seems to present one or two “wild card” selections — players whose draft stock may not align with traditional projections, but whose intangibles, storylines, and potential upside make them irresistible to franchises looking to swing big. In the case of the Miami Dolphins, a team perched on the precipice of contention yet still hungry for long-term stability, whispers of an audacious move have begun to swirl. What if Shedeur Sanders, the son of Hall of Famer Deion Sanders and the signal-caller from Colorado, ends up in South Beach?

For many NFL fans, the mere idea of Shedeur Sanders in a Dolphins uniform may sound far-fetched. After all, the team is led by Tua Tagovailoa, who is coming off a career year and has become a foundational piece under head coach Mike McDaniel. But with Tua’s long-term contract situation still looming, questions about durability, and a general manager in Chris Grier known for taking bold swings, there’s reason to believe that Sanders could be more than just a smokescreen.

The Quarterback Question in Miami

On paper, the Dolphins’ quarterback situation looks solid. Tua led the league in passing yards in 2023 and displayed a level of poise and command that reminded fans of his days at Alabama. He silenced many critics with his accuracy, decision-making, and ability to run McDaniel’s offense with rhythmic precision.

Yet beneath the surface, uncertainties remain. Tua’s injury history is well-documented. While he avoided major setbacks in 2023, his previous concussions have left a cloud over his long-term availability. Moreover, the Dolphins have yet to lock him down with a mega-extension. The franchise picked up his fifth-year option for 2024, but have hesitated to commit beyond that. This could simply be a negotiation tactic — or it could be a sign that Miami is keeping its options open.

Enter Shedeur Sanders.

Why Shedeur Sanders Could Fit in Miami

At first glance, Shedeur Sanders might not seem like an obvious fit in a McDaniel offense that thrives on precision timing, quick reads, and high efficiency. Sanders, after all, comes from a more spread-out, improvisational Colorado offense that often leaned on his ability to create plays out of structure.

But dig a little deeper, and Sanders offers a compelling case.

For starters, his poise in the pocket is already NFL-caliber. Despite being sacked a nation-leading 52 times in 2023, Sanders rarely appeared rattled. He showed advanced processing skills, an ability to keep his eyes downfield under duress, and the kind of calm presence that coaches crave. His ability to throw accurately on the move and deliver darts from different arm angles makes him uniquely equipped to thrive in today’s NFL.

Sanders also carries the kind of intangibles that have increasingly become valued in franchise quarterbacks. He’s tough. He’s composed. He’s media-savvy. And perhaps most importantly, he’s already been through the crucible of national scrutiny. His father’s presence as Colorado’s head coach has placed Shedeur under an unprecedented spotlight, and through it all, he’s remained focused, unshaken, and driven.

Grier’s History of Surprise Picks

Chris Grier is no stranger to unconventional draft-day moves. In 2021, he maneuvered through the top of the first round to position Miami for Jaylen Waddle. In 2020, he surprised many by taking Tua over Justin Herbert. Grier and his staff have often shown that they’re willing to zag when the rest of the league zigs.

That philosophy could apply to Shedeur Sanders.

While Sanders is considered a first-round talent, most mock drafts currently have him slated to go in the mid-to-late first round — though that could change dramatically depending on his 2024 season. If the Dolphins are serious about finding a long-term insurance policy or even a potential successor to Tua, Sanders presents an option that’s both bold and marketable.

Don’t underestimate the marketing appeal either. Miami is a glamour market. Sanders, already a known brand thanks to his NIL deals and massive social media following, would be an immediate fan favorite. Pairing him with Tyreek Hill, Jaylen Waddle, and De’Von Achane would instantly give the Dolphins one of the league’s most dynamic and youth-driven cores — both on the field and off.

What It Would Take

Drafting Shedeur Sanders wouldn’t be a small move. Miami doesn’t currently hold a top-10 pick in 2025, and it’s unlikely that Sanders, barring a drop in performance, will be available outside of that range.

So what would it take?

The Dolphins would likely need to trade up — possibly using future first-round capital — to secure Sanders. That alone makes it a difficult gamble, especially if they plan to re-sign Tua. However, if Tua’s asking price approaches the top tier of quarterback contracts, and Miami isn’t convinced he’s worth that commitment, a rookie quarterback on a controlled contract might become very appealing.

Another potential route is if Sanders slips — not due to talent concerns, but because of fit, perceived media baggage, or other intangible factors that sometimes affect polarizing players. In that scenario, Grier and the Dolphins could be poised to pounce, seeing it as a rare value opportunity.

The Sanders-McDaniel Dynamic

Perhaps the most fascinating angle of all is imagining Shedeur Sanders working under Mike McDaniel.

McDaniel, one of the brightest offensive minds in football, has shown a remarkable ability to tailor schemes to his quarterback’s strengths. With Tua, he emphasized timing, rhythm, and intermediate throws. With Sanders, he could potentially open up the playbook to incorporate more rollouts, vertical shots, and movement-based concepts.

Shedeur’s creativity and ability to extend plays could add a new dimension to Miami’s offense — something they’ve lacked when facing elite defenses that take away the first read. While Tua is accurate and efficient, he’s not a second-reaction savant. Sanders could be.

The potential for innovation is tantalizing.

Tua’s Perspective

Of course, all of this speculation rests on a major “what if.” Tua is still the starter. He’s earned that title. But what would drafting Shedeur Sanders mean for his future in Miami?

In a best-case scenario, the Dolphins would use a pick on Sanders and keep Tua as the starter, giving the rookie time to learn and develop in the background — a luxury few quarterbacks receive anymore. It would mirror the Patrick Mahomes-Alex Smith situation in Kansas City, or even the Jordan Love-Aaron Rodgers transition in Green Bay.

However, the optics of using a first-round pick on a quarterback while still negotiating with your current starter are tricky. It sends a message — intentional or not — that you’re preparing for a future without him.

Tua, ever the professional, has handled adversity with class throughout his career. But no quarterback likes to feel like a placeholder, especially one entering his prime.

Legacy, Pressure, and the Deion Factor

Another layer to this story is the weight of the Sanders legacy. Deion Sanders has made no secret of his desire to see his sons succeed at the highest levels, and his influence looms large over any team that drafts Shedeur. While some franchises might be wary of the circus that could accompany the Sanders brand, others may embrace it — particularly one in a vibrant, media-savvy market like Miami.

But Shedeur isn’t just a legacy player. He’s a true talent in his own right. At Jackson State, he shattered records and led the program to new heights. At Colorado, he helped transform a 1-11 team into a national storyline. His arm talent, leadership, and cool under pressure have been evident at every stop.

Still, the pressure will be immense. Being the son of “Prime Time” carries expectations. Being a first-round quarterback in Miami, a city long searching for a post-Marino savior, adds even more.

Shedeur has never backed down from pressure. The question is whether the Dolphins believe he can thrive in the NFL cauldron.

 Is Shedeur Sanders Worth the Gamble?

The idea of the Dolphins drafting Shedeur Sanders might seem like a long shot today. But the NFL is a league built on calculated risks — and Miami has never shied away from rolling the dice. Whether they view Sanders as a potential heir to Tua, an elite backup in the short-term, or simply too talented to pass up, the interest is worth monitoring.

Quarterback moves define franchises. For the Dolphins, standing pat could lead to continued success with Tua. But if they see something rare in Sanders — the charisma, leadership, and dual-threat potential — they may just be tempted to make him their next big swing.

And in a league that rewards boldness, Shedeur Sanders might be the wild card Miami never knew it needed.