Could Kyler Murray Be the Spark the Dolphins Need? A Closer Look at Miami’s Quarterback Conundrum
The Miami Dolphins are entering a pivotal offseason, and it’s anything but quiet in South Florida. With Jon-Eric Sullivan stepping in as general manager and Jeff Hafley taking over as head coach, the franchise has a fresh leadership tandem-but they’ve inherited a roster with some serious question marks, especially under center.
At the heart of the conversation is Tua Tagovailoa. The Dolphins are reportedly exploring trade options for their starting quarterback, and according to ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler, a split between the two sides could be coming “soon.”
Miami is even said to be open to eating a portion of Tua’s salary just to get a deal done. That kind of move signals one thing loud and clear: the Dolphins are ready to turn the page at quarterback.
And that’s where things get interesting.
Enter Kyler Murray.
Former NFL linebacker and current ESPN analyst Bart Scott believes the Dolphins should make a run at the Arizona Cardinals quarterback. And on paper, it’s easy to see why. Murray brings a level of athleticism that could elevate an already explosive offense featuring Tyreek Hill, Jaylen Waddle, and De’Von Achane.
“You talk about having one of the most athletic teams in all of football… I would pay for it,” Scott said on ESPN.
Let’s break that down.
Murray’s ability to escape pressure, extend plays, and make throws on the move could be a serious upgrade for a Dolphins offense that’s struggled with consistency-especially since the 2023 season. While Tua has had his moments, mobility has never been his calling card.
Too often, he’s looked a step slow escaping the pocket or resetting under pressure. In contrast, Murray thrives in chaos.
He’s a creator, a playmaker, and when healthy, he’s one of the most dynamic dual-threat quarterbacks in the league.
But here’s the catch: the numbers don’t lie, and they’re not pretty.
According to Over the Cap, Miami is already projected to be $17.4 million over the salary cap next season. Trading for Murray would tack on another $40-42 million in cap obligations. That would put the Dolphins roughly $55 million over the cap-before any restructures or roster moves.
That’s a steep price to pay, especially for a quarterback who, while talented, hasn’t consistently lived up to his potential. And with the Dolphins already strapped for cash, pulling off a deal like this would require some serious financial gymnastics.
There’s also the long-term picture to consider. Murray is 28 and still has time to re-establish himself as a franchise QB, but the Dolphins may decide to go younger and cheaper. With the draft on the horizon and quarterbacks like Quinn Ewers entering the league, Miami could opt to reset the position entirely-rookie contract and all.
Still, there’s a compelling case to be made for bringing in a veteran like Murray to compete. If the Dolphins are truly done with Tua, they’ll need more than just a placeholder.
They’ll need someone who can win games now and grow with the team moving forward. Murray, despite his ups and downs, has that kind of upside.
So where does that leave Miami?
New GM Jon-Eric Sullivan and head coach Jeff Hafley have a tough decision to make. Do they roll the dice on a high-priced veteran with elite athleticism? Or do they look to the draft for a fresh start at a fraction of the cost?
One thing’s for sure: the Dolphins need answers at quarterback. And whether it’s Kyler Murray, a rookie like Ewers, or someone else entirely, the next move will shape the franchise’s direction for years to come.
Stay tuned-South Beach is about to get interesting.