The Miami Dolphins are in a precarious situation after newly paid franchise quarterback, Tua Tagovailoa’s concussion on Thursday night.
Whilst Tua’s long term future is uncertain, with calls for him to seriously consider retirement coming from many different angles, in the short term he faces a minimum 3-4 week absence as he recovers from his third concussion in just two years.
Miami Dolphins Have Major Questions Over Short Term Future At QB
Although current backup, and now presumed starter, Skylar Thompson, has outplayed his draft billing as a 7th round pick in 2022, coming mightily close to upsetting the Buffalo Bills in the Wild Card round, it seems like the Dolphins will look to expand their options at QB as they look for a player who could well have to play out much of the season at the most important position.
Ryan Tannehill is the first name that comes to mind, but coming from the heavy, run heavy, play-action Tennessee offense, he may not be the best accustomed to come in and succeed immediately.
Another name thrown out is the currently suspended Jimmy Garoppolo, who has familiarity and a history of success with Miami head coach, Mike McDaniel’s scheme during their shared time at the San Francisco 49ers. 2023 did see a steep decline in Jimmy G’s play, but it is quite possible that being reunited with former offensive co-ordinator, McDaniel, could reinvigorate the 32 year old’s career.
Unusual Candidate Proposed To Start For Miami Dolphins In Tua’s Absence
However, the loudest and most surprising name being thrown out to replace is Tua on X, is none other than Dallas Cowboys reserve quarterback, Trey Lance.
dolphins fan, say hello to ur new qb1, trey lance pic.twitter.com/GeC4mLOrfy
— rav (@AiyukFor6ix) September 13, 2024
In fact, many fans have already speculated who the Dolphins may trade to the Dallas Cowboys in return for Lance.
Trey Lance for Jaylen Wright 1 for 1, who says no? pic.twitter.com/P4f7SOUIs9
— a (@DakHOF) September 13, 2024
The ✭ trade Trey Lance
Their QB3 that’s going to walk in ‘25, essentially wasting their 4th round pick investment
To the🐬, who now have SERIOUS issues at QB
For Jaylen Wright, a RB who’s 4th on the depth chart that’s ALSO a 4th round investment
A solid deal for both teams‼️ pic.twitter.com/Nob63WXubI
— Outl✭w (@OutlawCowboyNFL) September 13, 2024
Trey Lance for Jaylen Wright right now..
I really hope Tua is Okay 🙏 pic.twitter.com/vLTKCIxjV5
— ATTITUDE ERA – Dr. Range (@BlitzDallas) September 13, 2024
Dolphins need a new QB … Jaylen Wright for Trey Lance thats fair pic.twitter.com/XOoEI9vvKV
— J Tuck (@jtuck151) September 13, 2024
I couldn’t make this up if I tried.
And the parallels involved in a #TreyLance TRADE for #JaylenWright as a result of this Tua situation feel way too weird to be real. #FinsUp, hear me out ⬇️ pic.twitter.com/FRbT5gOSxe
— Landon Holifield ✭ (@TheLandoShow) September 13, 2024
Could Trey Lance Really Succeed At The Miami Dolphins?
In theory, this trade makes a lot of sense; the Cowboys are currently relying on the competent but tired legs of Ezekiel Elliot to maintain almost the entirety of their rushing attack. Adding a dynamic, fast rookie who the Cowboys reportedly coveted during this most recent draft.
For as many people who liked the polarizing player; undoubtedly a talented player that struggled with the complexities of Kyle Shanahan’s offense, who likely just needs more in-game experience; many criticized the proposal as laughable.
Jerry after he flips Trey Lance to the Dolphins for any of their running backs pic.twitter.com/6sX1xhpH2G
— Tellito👉🏽 Day 1 DF #204 (@TellStevens) September 13, 2024
Trey Lance in an offense that requires anticipation and timing pic.twitter.com/CoJWTttKZf https://t.co/KY6PR9EUKt
— 🌩️ (@ChargersRuined) September 13, 2024
You guys are wildly overrating Trey Lance’s trade value https://t.co/cgF43v2cdg
— Tom Downey (@WhatGoingDowney) September 13, 2024
Ultimately, this is probably somewhat of a stretch: McDaniel likely had similar feelings to Shanahan about Lance, who was traded to Dallas after just his second season for a 4th round pick despite being the #3 overall pick in 2021.
Although I don’t think Lance’s career in the league is necessarily over; he is still just 24 years old; he feels like a project who is currently benefiting from sitting behind a veteran in Dak Prescott, and it may well be another year or more before he is ready to take a full time starting job.
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