Dolphins Options at Quarterback in 2026 are Plentiful

For a few years, it seemed like Miami had found its franchise quarterback in Tua Tagovailoa.

It had been over 20 years since the Dolphins had Dan Marino, the last franchise quarterback that the team had.

However, like every quarterback since 2000, Tagovailoa eventually regressed, and his injury history became too much to overcome. It seems very unlikely that he will be with the organization next season.

So now, heading into 2026, Miami is on the hunt for another starting quarterback.

Yet, that does not mean that the Dolphins need to look for a long-term solution at the position.

With a tricky cap situation and a lot of very young, unproven talent on the roster, it does not seem like Miami will quickly bounce back in 2026.

The schedule makers did not do Miami any favors either, as the Dolphins face all four teams in the NFC North and AFC West, plus the Indianapolis Colts, Cincinnati Bengals, and San Francisco 49ers.

Also, Miami will have four games against the Buffalo Bills and Super Bowl runner-up, the New England Patriots.

It is easy to see why expectations are not very high in Head Coach Jeff Hafley’s first year with the franchise.

With so many questions on the roster, it would be wise for Miami to explore all its options at quarterback instead of rushing to choose the next face of the franchise in the first round of April’s draft.

However, if Hafley and General Manager John-Eric Sullivan believe that Ty Simpson or Trinidad Chambliss is the best option for the future of the team, then they should draft him and sit him on the bench until he is ready.

That way, neither one of them will be under any pressure and can watch from the sidelines and have the speed of the game slow down until their time is called.

Until that time, Miami can lean on Quinn Ewers, along with a veteran like Jimmy Garoppolo, Mac Jones, or Marcus Mariota, to get them through the first part of the schedule.

What about entertaining a Tua for Kyler Murray swap?

Kirk Cousins is expected to be released from Atlanta and would be an intriguing name to help keep Miami competitive in 2026 while a rookie gets ready.

Cousins already has experience in doing just that with his time with the Falcons.

Even Derek Carr, who would have to prove that he is fully healthy and committed to football after coming out of retirement, could be another potential stopgap option.

Whatever they choose to do, Hafley and Sullivan need to leave no stone unturned when it comes to the quarterback position in 2026.

It is not a must-win year for the duo, so they can take their time in finding the right guy to help lead the team next year.

They should also acquire someone who has the right character to help them bring along the future of the franchise at the position.

Those two qualities should be at the top of the Dolphins’ wishlist.

This off-season, with so many quality options available, Hafley and Sullivan should be able to find what they are looking for under center.