What should the Miami Dolphins do with quarterback Tyler Huntley as free agency approaches?
The Miami Dolphins have a quarterback dilemma staring them in the face in 2025. It is not a starting quarterback question, where Tua Tagovailoa in entrenched on top of the depth chart, but they have to make sure the backup roles behind him are ready to step in if another injury occurs. In 2024, when Tagovailoa sustained a concussion and a hip injury, the team seemed to be scrambling, with multiple backups tried. Veteran Tyler Huntley was eventually added to the roster and provided some stability, but it was not enough to push Miami into the playoffs.
Could a full year in the Dolphins’ offensive system turn Huntley into the backup quarterback Miami needs? Do they need to move on to find someone else for that role? That is the decision the team needs to make, and today it is the decision we are asking you to make.
Each year, as the start of free agency nears, we take a look at the players on the Dolphins’ roster who have contracts that expire with the start of the new league year. Heading into 2025, with free agency and the new league year set to start on March 12 at 4 p.m. Eastern, Miami has 32 players scheduled to become free agents.
Today’s potential free agent in the spotlight is Huntley. Do you think the team should re-sign him, franchise/transition tag him, or let him leave in free agency? You can vote in the poll below and discuss in the comments.
Last five free agent reviews:
Biography
Tyler Huntley
Position: Quarterback
Age (when season begins): 27
Draft: 2020 undrafted free agent signed by the Baltimore Ravens
Experience: 5 years
Previous Teams:
- Baltimore Ravens (2020-2023)
- Miami Dolphins (2024)
- Note: Huntley started 2024 with the Cleveland Browns before being released at the start of the season. He was then signed to the Ravens’ practice squad before Miami signed him to their active roster in mid-September.
Pro Bowls/All-Pro: 2022 Pro Bowl
Expiring Contract
1 year, $1.1 million ($750k cap number)
2024 Review
5 games played (5 starts)
64.7 percent completion
829 passing yards
3 touchdowns
3 interceptions
80.1 passer rating
26 carries
135 rushing yards
2 touchdowns
Huntley was thrust into the starting role two weeks after being signed by the Dolphins. Miami was trying to find a solid starter to replace Tagovailoa, who was on injured reserve with a concussion, and backup Skylar Thompson, who sustained an injury to his ribs. Huntley jumped Tim Boyle on the depth chart following Thompson’s injury. He served as the primary backup for Tagovailoa after the starter’s return, but then was pushed back into the top spot on the depth chart when Tagvoailoa sustained a hip injury and could not play in Weeks 17 and 18. Huntley’s season was inconsistent, with passer ratings of 73.3, 63.1, 100.5, 115.5, and 63.8 over his five starts. Miami’s offense never seemed comfortable with him under center, but his in-season signing is a factor in determining his future with the team.
2025 Outlook
Huntley is probably a decent veteran backup for someone in 2025. He has flashes that could allow him to succeed as a starter if needed, but the inconsistency is worrisome. He is likely not a priority signing for a team, but could be a fall-back option in free agency should a team need to find a veteran later in the free agency period.
Walk, Tag, Re-Sign?
Projected tag value (Quarterback): $42.4 million (franchise); $36.2 million (transition) (via OvertheCap.com)
Walk. Could Huntley grow into the Dolphins’ offensive system with an offseason to prepare? It is possible, but it feels like Miami would rather look somewhere else for 2025. If they cannot land someone they want, Huntley could be a re-sign later in free agency, but for now, letting him walk would make the most sense.
