Jacoby Brissett headed to Dolphins to be Tua Tagovailoa’s backup

The Miami Dolphins were in the market for a new backup quarterback, and they’ve landed on Jacoby Brissett.

As Ryan Fitzpatrick was intent on pursuing a starting opportunity, and found one, the Miami Dolphins were in the market for a backup quarterback. According to ESPN’s Adam Schefter, they’ve agreed to terms with Jacoby Brissett on a one-year deal.

Brissett spent the last four seasons with the Indianapolis Colts, with two seasons as the starter when Andrew Luck was sidelined by a shoulder injury (2017) and then retired (2019). He only attempted eight passes as Philip Rivers’ backup last season, but he scored three rushing touchdowns as something of a gadget player.

According to Armando Salguero of the Miami Herald last month, Brissett was on a list of quarterbacks the Dolphins were eyeing to be Fitzpatrick’s replacement. The idea, however transparently, was to have someone who is not a threat to beat out Tua Tagovailoa. Brian Hoyer was prominently mentioned by Salguero, so Brissett is a step up from him. The Dolphins have playoff aspirations next season. If Tagovailoa is injured or really struggles, Brissett can keep things on track.

Some of the Dolphins’ coaches know Jacoby Brissett

Brissett was drafted by the New England Patriots in 2016 and started two games during Tom Brady’s “DeflateGate” suspension as a rookie. Head coach Brian Flores was on the Patriots’ coaching staff then, as was defensive coordinator Josh Boyer. Co-offensive coordinator George Godsey has New England roots too, pre-dating Brissett’s rookie season.

With 32 career starts, Brissett fits Miami’s presumed desire to have an experienced backup for Tagovailoa. There won’t be a competition for the starting job, or the lingering specter of someone coming in as a “relief pitcher” the way Fitzpatrick did a couple times last season. Brissett wasn’t going to find a clear chance to start on the open market, but he is a high-end backup and Miami is a good spot for him.