In a move that many saw coming, the Miami Dolphins and Arizona Cardinals have decided to part ways with their franchise quarterbacks. The Dolphins are facing a hefty $100 million in dead money against the salary cap to move on from Tua Tagovailoa, while the Cardinals will deal with about half that amount, thanks to Kyler Murray's shorter contract term.
Neither quarterback made it to the end of their lucrative contract extensions, which were signed after promising rookie seasons. It's a scenario that's becoming all too familiar in today's NFL, where young quarterbacks often find themselves in a similar predicament.
Here's how it typically unfolds: A team drafts a quarterback with high hopes, and after a few seasons, the player shows glimpses of potential greatness. While some, like Joe Burrow and Patrick Mahomes, shine from the start, most experience growing pains, often exacerbated by being on struggling teams with new coaching staff.
The rookie contract clock starts ticking the moment it's signed, forcing teams to quickly decide if this player is their future. This was the case with Tagovailoa and Murray.
Both showed talent but also had their share of issues. Murray's athletic prowess was evident, but inconsistency and concerns about his work ethic plagued him.
Tagovailoa, known for his accuracy, struggled with deep throws and faced serious health concerns due to multiple head injuries.
Faced with these challenges, teams often feel trapped. Once a quarterback is drafted high, the choice is to either extend a massive contract or start anew at the NFL's most challenging position to fill.
The Dolphins and Cardinals extended their quarterbacks after playoff appearances, a common practice. However, quarterback contracts are so substantial that a misstep can lead to regret. We've seen teams like the Giants with Daniel Jones and the Jets with Sam Darnold and Zach Wilson face similar dilemmas.
This crossroads is a frequent destination. The Jaguars gave Trevor Lawrence a significant deal, which initially seemed questionable but later proved wise as his performance improved.
Meanwhile, the Texans face a crucial decision with C.J. Stroud after his mixed results.
One potential solution is for the NFL and the players' association to recognize the unique nature of the quarterback position. By creating a separate class of contracts for quarterbacks, either outside the salary cap or at a reduced rate, teams could manage these situations more effectively.
This idea isn't without precedent. Major League Soccer, for example, allows teams to sign Designated Players who don't count against the cap, enabling them to make high-profile signings without financial penalties.
Given the quarterback's unparalleled impact on team success, treating them like other positions for cap purposes seems outdated. A separate cap category would still hold teams accountable for their financial decisions but would prevent the kind of cap crises currently looming over teams like the Dolphins.
Ultimately, the current system forces teams to gamble on young quarterbacks before their true potential is clear, leading to many bets that don't pay off.