.jpg)
1 hour ago
3
The Miami Dolphins have one of the biggest quarterback decisions to make this offseason. With a massive $212 million contract for Tua Tagovailoa and a looming $99 million dead cap charge, the Dolphins need to move on smartly.
That's a lot easier said than done. But, once they do move on from Tagovailoa, what's next? How will the Dolphins resolve their QB spot? There are a few things they could do, but overall, there's one model they should follow.
ESPN's Ben Solak is urging the Dolphins to follow the model the Seattle Seahawks used to find Sam Darnold. This isn't just about landing a new QB, either; it's an overall team-building philosophy that the Dolphins should employ going forward.
Dolphins urged to follow Seahawks rebuild model
"Jeff Hafley is a defensive head coach, and the Dolphins' roster construction will likely mirror that of Seattle's under Mike Macdonald: Build an elite defense, then cycle through midtier quarterbacks trying to strike gold," Solak writes.
Instead of trying to splurge and land the face of the NFL in free agency, a trade, or in the NFL Draft, Solak is urging the Dolphins to focus on the mid-tier range of quarterbacks.
As seen with the Seahawks' win in Super Bowl 60 over the New England Patriots, the quarterback doesn't have to be a superstar if the defense is dominant.
With Hafley, a defensive-minded head coach, the Dolphins should build an identity around a good defense, with a few key pieces on offense around a decent quarterback.
Miami would be a clear landing spot for someone such as Malik Willis, Kirk Cousins, or Davis Mills. But, whoever this mid-tier quarterback ends up being, the Dolphins don't have to commit to anything beyond one season for them.
More: Dolphins urged to solve QB dilemma with Tua Tagovailoa's future in Miami
After getting out of Tagovailoa's massive contract, the Dolphins will have plenty of money freed up down the line. But, in the short term, they will be hamstrung by a lot of dead cap.
To overcome such a situation, the Dolphins need to hold onto all of their draft picks and focus on improving the defensive side of the ball.
A good defense is a must in the current NFL, and if Hafley and Jon-Eric Sullivan can build such a unit over the course of the next few offseasons, then their playoff hopes would significantly increase.
It might take some time and great drafting, but this model works. The Seahawks showed it can, and in a dominant fashion as well.
More Dolphins news:
- Dolphins GM reveals exciting quarterback plan for upcoming NFL Drafts
- Dolphins sign Joe Burrow's former LSU WR teammate to free agent contract
- Dolphins predicted to pick top WR of Fernando Mendoza in 2026 NFL Draft
- Miami Dolphins predicted to land All-Pro pass-catcher in free agency
- Dolphins predicted to draft a Minkah Fitzpatrick clone in 2026 NFL Draft
- Patriots Super Bowl bid brings up brutal stat that will have Dolphins fans sick
English (US)