This story was originally published by Dead Spin
The Miami Dolphins lost in blowout fashion to the Buffalo Bills on Thursday Night Football to kick off Week 2 of the NFL season.
But the story isn’t about that loss. It’s about quarterback Tua Tagovailoa, who suffered another scary hit to the head in the third quarter against Damar Hamlin.
After taking a hit to the head, Tagovailoa’s right arm showed the fencing posture, which has happened to him twice now.
Concussions are no joke, and the NFL has continued to take the necessary measures to ensure that when they happen, the player has a sufficient amount of time to recover. In Tagovailoa’s case, he has a noted history with concussions. It should be some time before we see him on a football field again.
NFL fans and even former wide receiver Dez Bryant called on Tagovailoa to retire at just 26 years old because of so much.
It’s up to Tagovailoa to decide if he wants to continue playing the game of football or if he wants to protect his health and livelihood after yet another scary hit. In July, the Dolphins gave him a $212 million extension, and obviously he won’t get that entire check if he decides to retire.
The Dolphins have enough talent to compete in a crowded AFC. They have two superstar receivers in Tyreek Hill and Jaylen Waddle. Odell Beckham Jr. hasn’t even suited up yet. Their running back by committee seems to be working, and the defense is at least average.
Even if Tagovailoa returns in 2024, Skylar Thompson is not a good enough backup. Here are some options for the Dolphins to weigh.
Bring Back Ryan Tannehill
Ryan Tannehill is the best free agent QB available. source: Getty Images When you Google search for the top remaining free agent quarterbacks, Tannehill’s name is alone at the top of the list.
During his tenure with the Dolphins, Tannehill was painfully mediocre. The Dolphins were stuck in the middle every season. After departing South Beach, he spent five more average seasons with the Tennessee Titans, where he was ultimately replaced by Will Levis.
But now? He would have Hill and Waddle in Miami’s modern offense. He doesn’t need to be the guy. Tannehill would just need to operate Mike McDaniel’s offense and bridge the gap to Tagovailoa’s return or the QB of the future.
Go Get Tyler Huntley
Tyler Huntley source: Getty Images The Cleveland Browns released quarterback Tyler Huntley after not being able to find a trade partner for him.
While the Dolphins might prefer an option like Jameis Winston or Dorian Thompson-Robinson, the Browns have enough of a quarterback headache on their hands with Deshaun Watson. Those guys aren’t likely to be moved.
But Huntley was quickly scooped up and put on the Baltimore Ravens practice squad. He’s technically the third-string QB behind Lamar Jackson and Josh Johnson.
Huntley is looking for another serious chance, and you have to believe he’d be an upgrade over Thompson in Miami.
Swing Big For Tom Brady
source: Getty Images The greatest quarterback of all time will be in the FOX booth on Sunday. But he consistently hints at stepping out of retirement.
While this scenario is wildly unlikely to happen, it’s worth noting that the Dolphins were penalized for tampering with Brady, who seemed like he really wanted to play in Miami. His kids reside in Miami, too.
If there was ever a time for the GOAT to come out of retirement, this could be it. As fun as that would be, it seems like we’ll be listening to him call games for the foreseeable future while leaving the quarterbacking to somebody else.
