Ryan Tannehill has not been bad, but he certainly has not been good in terms of being a starting quarterback. Considering Robert Griffin III, Andrew Luck and Russell Wilson were all drafted the same year as the Miami Dolphins quarterback, expectations have been high that he will put up similar numbers to those in his draft class. That has not panned out exactly and now the team is exploring their options at the position.
In Tannehill's two seasons as a starter, the Dolphins have gone 7-9 and 8-8. He has completed 59.4 percent of his passes with 36 touchdowns and 30 interceptions. The quarterback recognizes that this year is crucial for his future in South Beach and as a starting quarterback in general. While his fellow draft class has all reached the postseason, Tannehill has failed to lead the team to big success.
"It's huge. I have to make a big jump, I'm aware of that," Tannehill said, via ESPN.com. "I'm putting in the work, putting in the time to get myself physically ready, mentally ready and learn this new offense that we're going with this year. So there is still work to be done. I look for a big jump in myself, both in production and wins. That's what we ultimately play for is wins. So, I'm excited to see what this team does."
While Tannehill is insisting that he will improve, Miami is seeking a backup plan in case he does not. According to Armando Salguero of the Miami Herald, the Dolphins are very interested in Aaron Murray as an option in the NFL Draft or will seek a free agent or trade in order to get a quality player behind Tannehill.
Murray's stock has sky rocketed as of late. Despite a season-ending ACL tear, Murray looked more than impressive in his Pro Day, leaving plenty of teams considering him as a potential starter. ESPN's Mel Kiper Jr has Murray ranked as the 9th best quarterback in the draft which means the Dolphins could pick him up somewhere around the third round.
There is still the option of a trade. New general manager James Hickey wants to make his mark on the Dolphins this offseason. That will come in the form of another quarterback, it just depends on how. The team could make deals for a backup. Ryan Nassib, Kirk Cousins and Ryan Mallett could all be available as teams aim to move up in the draft. Bringing in Murray proves that Miami is not ready to trust Tannehill just yet and are preparing in the situation that he does not improve in year three.
