Abqtrucker - Joe D. Photography, Flickr Here are the candidates to be the next signal-caller in South Beach:
Robert Griffin III
Do any research, and you're bound to fall in love with this prospect. He was a good passer in college with track star speed, and yet all you'll hear from teammates is about his character and work ethic.
Probability of becoming a Dolphin: 10%
His stock keeps rising, which poses another problem for Miami, which sits at No. 8 in the draft. St. Louis, which has the second pick, is willing to trade, but it's going to cost at least two first-round choices. There are a few teams looking to move into that spot, so the price will likely be higher. Will Griffin be like Cam Newton, or more like many of the other spread offense quarterbacks who can't translate to the NFL? It'd be an expensive gamble.
Peyton Manning
Manning is an NFL legend who appears to be on the outs in Indianapolis, where his value was proven by a 2-14 season that he missed with a neck injury. Sadly, that also proved to be his undoing as a Colt, as they now look to draft his replacement. That makes one of the top-tier quarterbacks in the game available, and one who happens to be a fan of South Florida.
Probability of becoming a Dolphin: 30%
It's still is no guarantee that Manning even hits free agency, but if he does, a landing in Miami makes a lot of sense. He won't be joining a rebuilding team, as there are many good pieces in place. Of course, the other variable is Manning's regenerated nerve in his neck, and how he'll hold up in a full NFL season of contact. If he can, then Miami should get a couple great years from a Hall of Famer.
Matt Flynn
All that has been seen from 27-year-old Matt Flynn is a mediocre college career and two stellar NFL starts. Despite being unproven, many think he has the ability to be a good NFL starter.
Probability of becoming of a Dolphin: 35%
Miami, again, makes sense because he will be united with his former offensive coordinator Joe Philbin, who was hired as head coach of the Dolphins. Flynn will likely have a few suitors including Seattle, Washington, and others. This could result in a team overpaying for the former Packer, which might force Jeff Ireland to choose another option.
Matt Moore
Many fans stand behind Matt Moore after his fantastic play in the second half of last season. A 6-3 record down the stretch speaks for itself, and some say that the performance should earn him an opportunity to start next season. This will also allow money to be spent on other needs as Moore is already under contract for next season.
Probability of being the starter: 5%
It's pretty clear that the organization is looking for an upgrade. Also not to be overlooked is how he performed when he was given the job in Carolina in 2010. That team finished 2-14. Fortunately, the Dolphins will have one of the better backups in the league.
Someone else
There are a few of dark horse candidates. Texas A&M signal-caller Ryan Tannehill was coached by new Dolphins offensive coordinator Mike Sherman in college and should be a second-day draft pick. There are some other second-tier options on the draft board such as Nick Foles and Brandon Weeden, as well as consolation free agents Jason Campbell and Kyle Orton.
Probability of being a Dolphin: 20%
It's a good idea for Ireland to keep a few more options on the radar, as it's possible that none of these aforementioned options are available as his upgrade at the position.
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