The Las Vegas Raiders are being encouraged to consider signing former Miami Dolphins quarterback Ryan Tannehill, who remains one of the top available free-agent quarterbacks. With the prime quarterback talents already secured by other teams, Tannehill emerges as one of the most promising options left this offseason. Among the teams potentially interested in Tannehill, the Raiders stand out as a suitable destination.
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On paper, the Raiders possess a competitive roster, and if Tannehill can replicate his past performances, he could elevate their chances of reaching the playoffs. According to Gary Davenport of Bleacher Report, the Raiders are seen as a strong fit for Tannehill, as they wouldn’t need to make a costly trade to draft a rookie quarterback.
Davenport notes, “The Las Vegas Raiders are in an eerily similar situation. Last year’s 8-9 season leaves the Raiders too far down the draft to grab an elite arm without an expensive trade. And arguing whether Aidan O’Connell or Stidham is the better NFL starter is equal parts depressing and pointless.” Earlier in the offseason, the Raiders signed Gardner Minshew to a two-year, $25 million deal, indicating their commitment to competition at the quarterback position. However, Tannehill’s track record suggests he could offer more stability and success.
There are several reasons why Tannehill would be a sensible choice for the Raiders. The recent acquisition of Christian Wilkins, another former Miami Dolphins player, signals the Raiders’ intent to contend. With talents like Maxx Crosby and Davante Adams, the Raiders have the potential to be an above-average team, and adding Tannehill would further bolster their prospects. Despite concerns about injuries, Tannehill has demonstrated his ability to perform at a high level, as evidenced by his statistics from the 2020 and 2021 seasons.
Furthermore, Tannehill’s return to the Dolphins could also be beneficial for both parties. With Tua Tagovailoa as the starting quarterback, the Dolphins lack an experienced backup, making Tannehill a viable option. Ryan Yousefi of Miami New Times suggests that signing Tannehill would address the Dolphins’ need for a reliable backup given Tagovailoa’s injury history. Tannehill’s familiarity with the city and his extensive NFL experience make him a valuable asset who could seamlessly step in if needed.
While it remains uncertain whether Tannehill would accept a backup role behind Tagovailoa, exploring such a possibility could benefit both the Dolphins and Tannehill. Overall, Tannehill’s potential to contribute significantly to a team’s success makes him an intriguing option for the Raiders and potentially the Dolphins as well.
