By signing QB Cutler, Dolphins send signal
The Miami Dolphins haven’t made a formal determination of how long Ryan Tannehill will be out after an injury to his left knee.
But by signing Jay Cutler, the Dolphins appear to be preparing for an extended time without Tannehill, whether the quarterback opts for a lengthy rest period or seasonending surgery.
If the Dolphins believed Tannehill’s left knee would heal itself in a few weeks, the team could have leaned on backup Matt Moore, much as they did late last season when Tannehill suffered a partially torn anterior cruciate ligament in mid-December.
This is a sign the Dolphins need a new starter.
Cutler, who was released by the Chicago Bears this year, wasn’t going to end his brief retirement and abandon providing color analysis for Fox to be a short-term replacement.
Instead, Cutler and the Dolphins made the move that made sense for both sides, given the friendship between Dolphins coach Adam Gase and Cutler.
Cutler was the only free agent quarterback available who had played in Gase’s offense, in 2015 when they were together in Chicago. Cutler experienced a career renaissance, finishing that season with 3,659 yards, 21 touchdown passes, 11 interceptions and a career-best 92.3 passer rating.
Though he has not played with any of Miami’s skill position players, Cutler’s familiarity with Gase’s playbook and style should be immediately beneficial for a team with playoff aspirations.
But questions loom. Cutler, 34, was limited to five games for the Bears in 2016 and had December shoulder surgery. He hasn’t started a full season’s worth of games since 2009, though he made 15 starts in both 2014 and 2015.
It’s also unclear how much Cutler has been working out since his release from the Bears and his decision to pursue a broadcasting career.
But by signing Cutler, the Dolphins have a Plan B in place, for however long Tannehill is out, especially if it is the entire season.