Dolphins to Release Former Playoff Starting Quarterback

Skylar Thompson stepped up unexpectedly for the Miami Dolphins towards the end of the 2022 season, starting in their wild-card playoff game and coming close to leading an upset against the Buffalo Bills.

As the third-year quarterback gears up for the upcoming season, he faces a potential challenge to secure his place on the team. According to Miami Herald reporter Omar Kelly, Thompson is expected to be on the outskirts of the roster bubble and will likely need to outperform a competitive group of quarterbacks to retain a spot on the active roster this summer. However, Kelly noted that Thompson could benefit from starting quarterback Tua Tagovailoa’s uncertain contract status, which could present him with a significant opportunity as training camp approaches.

Rule Change Leaves Skylar Thompson Vulnerable

Omar Kelly highlighted that a new NFL rule allowing teams to elevate an emergency quarterback from the practice squad presents an additional challenge for Skylar Thompson in securing a spot on the final roster. Kelly emphasized that Thompson needs to excel to maintain his position on the 53-man roster.

Regarding Tua Tagovailoa’s ongoing contract negotiations, Kelly suggested that the unresolved situation could create opportunities for both Thompson and Mike White to showcase their abilities once training camp commences later this month.

“Tagovailoa is currently negotiating a complex long-term deal, which could potentially lead to him limiting or sitting out parts of training camp until a five- or six-year agreement is reached that reflects his status as a top-10 quarterback,” Kelly wrote. “This scenario could put pressure on White and Thompson to perform, offering the Dolphins a comprehensive evaluation of their backup quarterbacks.”

📆 A Year Ago Today: Miami Dolphins 31-34 Buffalo Bills (Wild Card Round)

➖ Skylar Thompson: 18/45, 220 yards, 1 TD, 2 INTs, 44.7 passer rating
➖ Zach Sieler: 2 sacks, 1 scoop-and-score
➖ Jevon Holland: 10 tackles, 1 interception
➖ Jason Sanders: 3/3 FG, 2/2 XP#FinsUp pic.twitter.com/jBPf1kHTYM

— FinsXtra (@FinsXtra) January 15, 2024

Thompson gained NFL experience by starting two games towards the end of the 2022 season when both Tagovailoa and backup Teddy Bridgewater were sidelined due to injuries. He posted a 1-1 record during this stretch, completing 57.1% of his passes for 534 yards with 1 touchdown and 3 interceptions. Thompson also started in the wild-card playoff game against the Buffalo Bills, helping the team recover from a 17-point deficit to briefly take the lead before ultimately losing 34-31 to the Bills.

Mike White has demonstrated his capabilities as an NFL quarterback, appearing in 14 games over his three-year career, including seven starts with the New York Jets. He has a career completion rate of 62.6%, passing for 2,219 yards with 9 touchdowns and 13 interceptions.

In addition to Thompson and White, rookie quarterback Gavin Hardison will also compete for a backup role behind Tagovailoa in the Dolphins’ lineup.

Tua Tagovailoa Could Get Big Payday

There remains a window for Tagovailoa to settle his contract situation before the team begins training camp on July 23rd. Discussions between the team and Tagovailoa’s representatives are ongoing, with star receiver Tyreek Hill recently voicing his support for a new contract for the quarterback.

Hill defended Tagovailoa against critics and expressed admiration for his teammate, stating, “Many players on the team recognize his value and understand that we rely on him. We need his leadership and his mentality. The approach he brings every week is remarkable; it’s almost like Terminator, man. I believe he deserves to be one of the highest-paid quarterbacks in the league. Of course, leave some room for me.”