The Miami Dolphins prioritized getting a top backup quarterback. These are our top ten suggestions.

In the NFL, a quality backup quarterback can be the difference between a championship-caliber season and a lost campaign. For the Miami Dolphins, the importance of securing a reliable backup quarterback has been highlighted in recent seasons. The Dolphins have a talented starter in Tua Tagovailoa, but his injury history has raised concerns about the team’s ability to maintain momentum should the unthinkable happen. With this in mind, the Dolphins front office has made it a priority to address this potential issue for the 2025 season.

In this article, we will look at the top ten backup quarterbacks that the Dolphins should target to strengthen their roster and ensure that they have a reliable option should their starter go down.

1. Gardner Minshew

Gardner Minshew is a name that has become synonymous with reliability in backup quarterback circles. His time with the Jacksonville Jaguars and Indianapolis Colts has proven that he can step in and provide competent play under center. Minshew has a solid understanding of the game and the ability to manage a team when called upon. While he’s not a starter for a contending team, his experience and capability make him a perfect fit for a team like the Dolphins that is in a win-now mode but has some uncertainty surrounding their starting quarterback’s durability.

2. Jacoby Brissett

Jacoby Brissett is another solid veteran who has experience starting games but is currently seen more as a backup. Brissett has served as a starting quarterback for the Indianapolis Colts and Cleveland Browns, offering a balanced skill set, including strong decision-making and leadership in the huddle. As a backup, he provides the comfort of knowing that the offense won’t have to change drastically in the event of an injury to Tua Tagovailoa. His ability to step in and deliver a steady hand is something that would be very valuable for Miami.

3. Tyrod Taylor

Tyrod Taylor is another veteran quarterback who has been able to step in when needed. He has started for the Buffalo Bills, Los Angeles Chargers, and New York Giants over the years. Taylor is known for his mobility and ability to execute an offense without turning the ball over. He’s a great game manager who can be trusted to keep the offense running efficiently if Tua were to miss time. His leadership and maturity would fit well in a backup role for a team like the Dolphins.

4. Nick Foles

Nick Foles might not have the same starting success in recent seasons, but his legendary Super Bowl performance for the Philadelphia Eagles in 2018 cannot be ignored. Foles is a quarterback with a history of stepping in and delivering in big moments. While he may no longer be the starter he once was, his ability to handle pressure situations and maintain poise makes him a viable option as a backup for the Dolphins. A player like Foles could prove invaluable if the Dolphins face a challenging stretch and need someone with experience to keep the ship steady.

5. Marcus Mariota

Marcus Mariota has had a varied career in the NFL but has proven to be a serviceable backup. After being drafted second overall by the Tennessee Titans, Mariota was eventually replaced but has found a role as a backup in Las Vegas and Atlanta. His dual-threat ability—combining mobility with a strong arm—adds a dynamic element to an offense. While Mariota may not be a long-term solution, his ability to play different styles of offense could help the Dolphins stay versatile if he needs to step in for Tagovailoa.

6. Mitchell Trubisky

Mitchell Trubisky, the former Chicago Bears starter, has established himself as a solid backup quarterback in recent years with the Buffalo Bills. Trubisky is an athletic quarterback who can stretch the field and make plays with his legs, which could complement the Dolphins’ fast-paced offense. He also has a wealth of experience starting games and could step into the starting role with confidence if called upon. Trubisky’s upside as a backup is significant, and Miami could benefit from his strong arm and athleticism in an emergency situation.

7. Andy Dalton

While Andy Dalton may be past his prime, he is still a very capable backup quarterback. Dalton has been a starter in the NFL for nearly a decade, including long stints with the Cincinnati Bengals and the Dallas Cowboys. He’s a veteran leader who has a steady hand and can manage an offense effectively. While not as mobile as some of the other options, Dalton’s accuracy and experience make him an ideal fit for a team that may only need a backup to ensure that they don’t lose ground if the starter is injured.

8. Colt McCoy

Colt McCoy has been around the NFL for a long time, and while he’s mostly served as a backup throughout his career, he has had moments of solid play. McCoy has experience both as a starter and as a backup with the Cleveland Browns and Arizona Cardinals, and he is known for being a reliable, steady presence when called upon. His ability to come into games and execute plays without trying to do too much would be beneficial for the Dolphins if Tua were to miss time. McCoy’s experience in a backup role and his familiarity with the NFL makes him a valuable option for Miami.

9. Baker Mayfield

Baker Mayfield is an intriguing option for a backup quarterback. After being the first overall pick in the 2018 NFL Draft, Mayfield has struggled to find consistency as a starter but has shown flashes of potential. He played for the Los Angeles Rams during the 2022 season and provided a spark in a few games. Mayfield’s skill set as a strong-armed quarterback with the ability to make all the throws makes him a valuable backup option for any team. With some adjustments to his mechanics, Mayfield could be a solid addition for the Dolphins, especially considering his potential upside if given the chance.

10. Drew Lock

Drew Lock has had an inconsistent career as a starting quarterback, but his physical tools are undeniable. He has a strong arm and an ability to make big throws, but his inconsistency has kept him from being a reliable starter. After spending time with the Denver Broncos and Seattle Seahawks, Lock could be a risk worth taking for a team like the Dolphins. He has the potential to develop into a solid backup with some guidance, and his upside as a young quarterback with significant arm strength might give the Dolphins a spark if he’s ever needed.

The Miami Dolphins are in a unique position heading into the 2025 season. They have a star quarterback in Tua Tagovailoa, but his injury history has made it clear that the team needs a top-tier backup to prevent a potential season-altering drop-off in performance. Each of the quarterbacks listed above brings something different to the table, from veteran leadership to athleticism to proven playmaking ability.

Ultimately, the Dolphins need a backup who can step in and maintain the team’s high level of play if called upon. A strong backup quarterback could be the final piece that puts Miami in a position to compete for a Super Bowl, and finding the right fit will be crucial as they continue their journey toward sustained success.