As Shedeur Sanders’ draft stock experiences a noticeable dip leading up to the NFL Draft, the landscape is ripe for an unexpected team to make a bold move. While names like the Pittsburgh Steelers, Dallas Cowboys, and New Orleans Saints have been at the forefront of conversations around quarterback acquisitions, there’s an intriguing dark horse that could emerge: enter the Miami Dolphins.
In recent months, the Dolphins have shown signs of reassessing their quarterback situation, particularly following Tua Tagovailoa’s struggles with health and consistency. After a challenging 2024 season that saw the team finish at 8-9, the question looms: is it time for Miami to consider a fresh start under center? Tagovailoa has put up impressive numbers throughout his career—15,760 passing yards and 101 touchdowns, to be exact—yet his 45 interceptions speak volumes about his challenges, especially when facing pressure.
Tagovailoa’s history of concussions has raised concerns not just about his sustainability but also his long-term viability as a franchise quarterback. In his lone playoff appearance, he struggled under the spotlight, completing only 51.3% of his passes in a loss to the Kansas City Chiefs. Given these factors, the Dolphins might find themselves at a crossroads.
Enter Shedeur Sanders. Despite the fluctuations in his draft stock, Sanders could present an enticing opportunity for the Dolphins. While opinions on his ceiling may vary, there’s no denying his capacity to deliver consistent, productive quarterback play. In the most recent college season, Sanders showcased impressive decision-making skills, leading to an eye-catching 74% completion rate. What’s promising is his trajectory; he improved across various categories from 2023 to 2024, indicating potential for growth in the NFL.
Sanders brings a versatile skill set that includes the ability to effectively pass at all three levels of the field. While he often excels as a pocket passer, his mobility allows him to extend plays and make things happen when the pocket collapses—a crucial trait in today’s fast-paced league.
For Miami, making a move for Sanders could align perfectly with head coach Mike McDaniel’s urgency to revitalize the quarterback position. The familiarity Sanders has with diagnosing defenses, along with his overall efficiency in the offensive rhythm, positions him as an intriguing candidate to replace Tagovailoa. This decision could provide the Dolphins with a fresh narrative and potentially set them up for a more competitive future.
If the Dolphins choose to capitalize on this opportunity during the draft, they may just secure themselves a quarterback who can rise to the occasion—a crucial step as they strive to regain their footing in the ever-competitive AFC landscape.
