Quarterback instability has plagued the Miami Dolphins for decades, leaving the franchise in an ongoing search for the elusive answer under center. For a team that once set the gold standard with legends like Bob Griese and Dan Marino, Miami’s inability to find a long-term solution at quarterback has been a source of frustration for fans and front office executives alike. But the Dolphins aren’t alone—many teams in the AFC have also faced their own quarterback quandaries, struggling to compete in a conference dominated by consistent quarterback play at the top.
This seemingly endless search for stability at the game’s most important position has shaped the Dolphins’ identity and raised important questions about how teams in the AFC can break free from this cycle of uncertainty.
The Dolphins’ Quarterback Carousel
Since Dan Marino retired in 1999, the Miami Dolphins have been trapped in an endless cycle of quarterback changes, draft misses, and short-term solutions. The numbers are staggering: between Marino’s retirement and the start of the 2025 season, the Dolphins have started more than 20 different quarterbacks. Names like Jay Fiedler, Chad Pennington, Ryan Tannehill, and Tua Tagovailoa represent some of the most notable—yet inconsistent—options the team has tried.
The Draft Dilemma
One of the biggest challenges for Miami has been its inability to draft and develop a true franchise quarterback. The Dolphins have spent multiple first-round picks on quarterbacks, including Ryan Tannehill in 2012 and Tua Tagovailoa in 2020. While Tannehill eventually found success with the Tennessee Titans, he never lived up to expectations in Miami. Tua, though showing flashes of brilliance, has struggled with injuries and inconsistency, leading to questions about whether he can truly lead the Dolphins to sustained success.
Passing on players like Justin Herbert in the 2020 NFL Draft—who has since become a star for the Los Angeles Chargers—has only magnified Miami’s struggles. These decisions have left the franchise chasing stability while watching other teams thrive with quarterbacks they overlooked.
Free Agency and Trades
When drafting quarterbacks hasn’t worked, the Dolphins have turned to free agency and trades, often with limited success. From acquiring veterans like Daunte Culpepper and Chad Henne to signing high-profile free agents like Josh Rosen, the results have been underwhelming. While players like Pennington and Ryan Fitzpatrick provided short-term sparks, none of these moves resulted in lasting success.
Why Stability Is Crucial in the AFC
The Dolphins’ quarterback struggles are particularly glaring in the context of the AFC, a conference where success is often defined by quarterback play. Over the past two decades, the AFC has been dominated by teams with elite, stable quarterbacks. Peyton Manning, Tom Brady, Ben Roethlisberger, and Patrick Mahomes have collectively accounted for a majority of AFC Championships since 2000.
This dominance underscores the importance of having a franchise quarterback who can elevate a team over the long haul. In contrast, teams without stability at quarterback—like the Dolphins—have often found themselves languishing in mediocrity or struggling to even make the playoffs.
The Mahomes Effect
Patrick Mahomes’ emergence as the face of the AFC has only heightened the pressure on teams to find a quarterback who can compete at his level. Mahomes has transformed the Kansas City Chiefs into perennial contenders, and his ability to consistently deliver in high-pressure situations sets him apart. For teams like Miami, the question isn’t just whether they can find a good quarterback—it’s whether they can find one capable of going toe-to-toe with Mahomes and other elite passers in the AFC.
The Broader AFC Quandary
While the Dolphins’ struggles are particularly notable, they are far from the only AFC team dealing with quarterback uncertainty. In fact, many franchises in the conference have experienced similar challenges in their quest for stability under center.
The QB Landscape in the AFC
- Perennial Stability: Teams like the Chiefs, Bengals, and Bills have established themselves as contenders thanks to Mahomes, Joe Burrow, and Josh Allen, respectively.
- Emerging Talent: Some teams, like the Jaguars with Trevor Lawrence, appear to have found their quarterbacks of the future.
- Perpetual Uncertainty: Franchises like the New York Jets, Indianapolis Colts, and Denver Broncos have struggled to find long-term solutions, often cycling through a mix of draft picks and veterans.
The disparity in quarterback stability has created a clear divide within the AFC. Teams with elite quarterbacks are consistently in the playoff conversation, while those without are often left behind.
Lessons from Successful Teams
For the Dolphins and other AFC teams, the success of franchises like the Chiefs and Bengals offers important lessons. Building around a young quarterback with elite potential, providing them with strong coaching, and surrounding them with talent on both sides of the ball are critical components of sustained success.
Miami’s Current Path
In recent years, the Dolphins have made bold moves to address their quarterback situation. Tua Tagovailoa remains the centerpiece of the team’s plans, but his health and consistency have been ongoing concerns. Miami’s front office has doubled down on supporting Tua, adding weapons like Tyreek Hill and Jaylen Waddle to create one of the NFL’s most explosive offenses.
However, questions persist about whether Tua can truly elevate the team in the way Mahomes or Burrow have for their respective franchises. If Tua falters, Miami may once again find itself at a crossroads, forced to decide whether to stick with him or explore other options in the draft or free agency.
The Role of Coaching
Coaching will also play a critical role in Miami’s success. Head coach Mike McDaniel has shown promise in his ability to design creative offensive schemes, but his ability to develop and support Tua—or any future quarterback—will ultimately determine the team’s trajectory.
The Way Forward
For the Dolphins and other AFC teams trapped in quarterback purgatory, breaking free from the cycle of uncertainty will require bold decision-making and a commitment to long-term stability. Whether through the draft, free agency, or trades, teams must prioritize finding and developing a quarterback who can compete with the likes of Mahomes and Allen.
At the same time, organizations must recognize that success doesn’t rest solely on the quarterback position. Building a strong defense, establishing a solid offensive line, and creating a culture of accountability and excellence are equally important factors in creating a winning formula.
Conclusion
The neverending quarterback quandary for the Miami Dolphins—and many AFC teams—is a reminder of the challenges and pressures associated with finding stability at the most important position in football. For the Dolphins, decades of turnover and missed opportunities have underscored the difficulty of replacing a legend like Dan Marino.
As the AFC continues to be dominated by elite quarterbacks, the stakes for Miami and other quarterback-needy teams have never been higher. Whether Tua Tagovailoa can finally provide the long-term solution the Dolphins have been searching for, or whether the team will once again be forced to start over, remains to be seen.
Until they find the answer, the Dolphins’ quarterback dilemma will continue to define their franchise—and serve as a cautionary tale for the rest of the league.
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