Next year, the Miami Dolphins will have a new starting quarterback for the first time since Tua was drafted. Who that might be no one knows at the moment, but it doesn’t mean there isn’t speculation about who could potentially assume that role. However, the latest news about the Dolphins QB situation has a surprise option available to them.
Several reports say that Bears general manager Ryan Poles has received a number of calls on backup quarterback Tyson Bagent. With the recent comments from Ben Johnson about the QB, it may seem like the Bears are unwilling to part with him. The latest calls to the front office suggest otherwise though.
A Low-Cost Bridge With Upside
For many Dolphins fans, it may not be an exciting prospect but also one must consider what Miami’s approach could be. Either way, this season’s projected starter may just be a bridge QB so the Dolphins can take advantage of a much better QB draft class next year. In that regard, trading for Bagent doesn’t seem as frustrating if an Arch Manning or Dante Moore is right around the corner.
The bad news that Bagent must be traded for. While after just signing a two year extension, he will only be owed 4.25 million dollars over the next two years, any money owed after a potential cap hit from a potential release of Tua would seem a hefty sum. What could compound fans’ irritation even more is that Bagent may not be a guaranteed starter out of the gate. Still, the prospect of molding him to become someone useful is tantalizing.
Production, Pedigree, and Practicality
After all, it’s not like Bagent does not have NFL experience. He had to start four games as a rookie and went 2-2. He also only has thrown six less passes than the Dolphins’ current free agent QB Malik Willis, who would cost them millions of more dollars. Another impressive thing to consider is Bagent’s collegiate career.
Even in the ranks of Division III, Bagent lit up scoreboards. At Shepherd University, Bagent not only had a season where he threw for 5,000 yards and 53 touchdowns. He also broke the record for most collegiate touchdown passes in NCAA history. The pedigree, while not as lofty compared to Division I, is there and the reason the Bears have relied on him so much.
For the Dolphins, the move would make sense simply because it would be the cheapest option should they want to make a move. Still, what with the current Dolphins regime having worked with Malik Willis before, it may be more likely that they try and take a big swing for him even if it costs them later down the road. For now, Bagent remains a safety option, one that could set the Dolphins up to think big next year in the draft.
Still, the potential glory the Dolphins could have in kickstarting Bagent’s career could be beneficial for all parties concerned. Perhaps the sneaky free agent surprise could be just what Jeff Hafley needs to make waves in Miami.
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