Dolphins Camp Battle: Backup QB

Dolphins Camp Battle: Backup QB

The Miami Dolphins signed their starting quarterback, Malik Willis. There is really nobody stopping him from being the guy in 2026. The intriguing camp battle is the backup position. 3 names are currently in contention for the “QB2” role: Cam Miller, Mark Gronowski, and Quinn Ewers.

Cam Miller was signed to the active roster late in the 2025 season. This came after Tua Tagovailoa’s benching. Miller was a rookie in 2025, a late-round pick by the Las Vegas Raiders. He was a favorite of new minority owner Tom Brady, who had a big role in selecting the signal caller.

Miller is a product of North Dakota State and was electric during his time at the FCS University program. He has been around the offense for a few months now and has a shot at the backup quarterback spot. Based on arm talent, he is the third best on the roster, above Mark Gronowski, who isn’t a polished passer.

He was also with the team for offseason workouts prior to the draft. Rookie minicamp starts next week, and the push for the backup spot starts.

Quinn Ewers started 3 games for the Dolphins in 2025 and was one of their draft picks in the last draft class. He showed very good flashes and the ability to make tight-window throws with timing. Based on his experience in the best collegiate conference and his raw talent, he likely has the upper hand for the backup position.

Miami’s new regime is very keen on getting a new quarterback on the roster every year, and they mentioned how very close they were to selecting one in the 2026 NFL Draft.

The main role of a backup, though, is simulating the opposing team’s quarterback and the game plan for each upcoming week. Part of finding your ideal backup is seeking out whoever can balance role-playing and actually playing the position.

The final quarterback fighting for the backup spot is Mark Gronowski, a recent undrafted free-agent signing out of Iowa. He was a collegiate rival of Cam Miller, as they both played for FCS powerhouses at one point. His greatest ability is the athleticism he possesses for the quarterback position.

In a division with tall, strong, and fast quarterbacks like Josh Allen and Drake Maye, the team may find Gronowski as the best fit to simulate opponents. He also has a similar skill set and arm talent to starter Malik Willis, making a potential switch easier if ever Willis gets hurt.

I believe the camp battle will be intriguing. Since the new regime did not sign Cam Miller, I don’t believe he has the best chance of sticking with the team. Ewers versus Gronowski is the likely outcome. Quinn Ewers possesses more talent, but Gronowski, the winningest college quarterback of all time, was handpicked by this regime to be on the roster.

He was interviewed extensively by the team, especially as the draft approached. An underrated aspect of football, this year’s quarterback camp battle will be fun to keep track of.