The Miami Dolphins entered the 2024 season confident in their franchise quarterback after signing Tua Tagovailoa to a four-year, $212 million contract. However, their failure to secure a reliable backup proved costly, as the team struggled offensively when Tagovailoa was unavailable. General manager Chris Grier is determined not to make the same mistake again, and the Dolphins are expected to aggressively pursue a veteran quarterback this offseason.

According to ESPN’s Adam Schefter, one potential target is Marcus Mariota. During Monday’s episode of “The Pat McAfee Show,” Schefter noted that both the Dolphins and the Las Vegas Raiders are interested in signing Mariota when free agency begins on March 12. The Raiders recently hired Chip Kelly—Mariota’s former college coach at Oregon—as their offensive coordinator, which could make Las Vegas an appealing destination for the 2014 Heisman Trophy winner.

Despite limited playing time in recent seasons, Mariota has remained an effective backup quarterback. In 2024, he appeared in three games for the Washington Commanders, completing 34 of 44 passes for 408 yards, five total touchdowns, and no turnovers. He also contributed as a runner, adding 92 yards on 18 carries. His dual-threat ability and veteran experience make him an ideal insurance policy behind Tagovailoa.

The Dolphins’ offensive struggles in Tagovailoa’s absence highlighted the need for a dependable backup. The team failed to score more than 15 points in four games without their starter early in the season, ultimately derailing their playoff hopes. Grier acknowledged the importance of addressing the position at his end-of-season press conference.

“That’s a position we will always focus on,” Grier said. “It will be a position that we will focus on this offseason.”

While Miami could select a quarterback in the 2025 NFL Draft, the team is in win-now mode and likely cannot afford to rely on a rookie backup. A mid-round pick may still be in play, but an experienced signal-caller will almost certainly be part of the roster when the season begins.

Mariota’s familiarity with a fast-paced, spread-style offense could make him a strong fit for the Dolphins’ system. His ability to step in and manage games effectively would provide Miami with the stability they lacked in 2024. As free agency approaches, all eyes will be on how the Dolphins address their quarterback depth and whether Mariota becomes their solution for the crucial backup role.