Once again, a quarterback for the future has been traded. On Friday, the Miami Dolphins traded Ryan Tannehill to the Tennessee Titans. Full terms of the deal include a few draft slots according to Ian Rapoport of NFL Network. The Dolphins have received the seventh round draft pick in 2019 and the fourth round draft pick in the 2020. The Titans received a sixth round draft pick in 2019.
Certainly, Tannehill was given every opportunity to become the franchise quarterback with the Dolphins. However, injuries and inconsistent play forced the new regime to start fresh at the NFL’s “most” important position. Frankly, it seems like the correct decision for both teams.
Tannehill is under .500 with a record of (42-46). The Dolphins were (5-6) during 11 starts last season. He finished (7-9) as a starting quarterback as a rookie in 2012. Tannehill’s worst team performance came in 2015 when the Dolphins finished (6-10) He also has a pair of (8-8) seasons. However, the Dolphins finished (8-5) in 2016, leading to their only playoff berth of his tenure. However, Tannehill missed the end of the season, as well as the playoff game due to a torn ACL. He tried to return in 2017, but opted for surgery after a setback early in training camp.
As a result, the Dolphins got one playoff game while Tannehill was affiliated with the organization. Tannehill progressed as a passer throughout the years. His peak came in 2016 when he finished with a 67 completion percentage rate. Yet, he accounted for 19 touchdown passes and 12 interceptions in those 13 games.
Overall, Tannehill has 123 touchdown passes and 75 interceptions. Last season was the only year when Tannehill threw less than 12 interceptions. It still wasn’t enough to keep his starting quarterback position. Tannehill has also completed 62 percent of his pass attempts in 88 games.
Now, he should be able to fill the backup role for the Titans. Due to Marcus Mariota’s injury history, Tannehill will probably have an opportunity to play. Tannehill has a similar skill set to Mariota as well. He is one of the most athletic quarterbacks in the NFL. Remember, Tannehill began his college career as a big play wide receiver. That still might be his best position. However, at 30-years-old, Tannehill is committed to playing quarterback.
When the Dolphins selected Tannehill with the eighth pick of the 2012 draft, they envisioned more success. Instead, they will have four different head coaches man the sidelines by 2019. It was time for a change in more way than one.
