In need of a quarterback addition, the Dolphins have found a passer capable of stepping into the backup role. Miami is set to sign Tyler Huntley off the Ravens’ practice squad, Tom Pelissero of NFL Network reports.
Tua Tagovailoa suffered a concussion during the Dolphins’ Week 2 loss, and given his history of head injuries a long absence would not come as a surprise. In the wake of that development, head coach Mike McDaniel confirmed the team would be in the market for a signal-caller. Huntley – who spent the offseason with Cleveland before returning to Baltimore – will serve as Miami’s backup while Skylar Thompson handles starting duties.
Thompson started the final two games of the 2022 regular season as well as Miami’s wild-card loss that season while filling in for Tagovailoa. The former seventh-rounder did not see any game action last year, but he managed to win the backup competition over Mike White during the 2024 offseason. Thompson is thus positioned to lead the team’s offense for the foreseeable future, but the Dolphins have elected against promoting Tim Boyle from the practice squad for the QB2 spot.
Instead, Huntley will be brought in from outside the organization. The former UDFA spent much of his Ravens tenure as Lamar Jackson‘s backup, and he totaled 10 regular and postseason starts when Jackson missed time over the past three years. Huntley, 26, has amassed 509 rushing yards in his career (along with another 86 in the playoffs) while operating as a dual-threat quarterback. His passing totals – eight touchdowns, seven interceptions, 5.7 yards per attempt – leave plenty of room for improvement, though.
Baltimore chose to keep Josh Johnson in second on the quarterback depth chart this spring, which paved the way for Huntley’s departure. The Utah alum took a league-minimum pact with the Browns as they sorted out their depth options without Joe Flacco in place as QB2. To no surprise, veteran Jameis Winston earned the backup gig, and Cleveland also has Dorian Thompson-Robinson in the fold. That allowed Huntley to released as part of the team’s final roster cuts, something which was quickly followed up by his Ravens reunion.
That has proven to be short lived, as Huntley will now turn his attention to learning Miami’s offense. The progress Tagovailoa makes over the coming weeks will be a central storyline for the Dolphins, as will Thompson’s performances under center. The team will have a new backup option moving forward, though. For Baltimore, meanwhile, Huntley’s departure will leave the team with sixth-round rookie Devin Leary as the lone signal-caller on the taxi squad.
A good move given a horrendous situation.
Huntley is certainly an upgrade over Tim Boyle, and he might be an upgrade over Thompson.
I could see him being the starter sooner than later
Wonder what it would take to get Wilson from Pitt? Best QB that might be available. They might want to send that other guy. Depends on who Pitt thinks will be better down the line.
Tomlin won’t let him go. Other capable signings in my opinion would be Dobbs Garapolo Wentz Winston and/or Sam Howell
Huntley is definition of game manager. Defenses can load the box n make em beat them. He’s ok, better have good D n nice running game to offset his shortcomings.
Good signing … Skylar beat out White but has to keep Huntley on the bench by performing.