Skylar Thompson Signs with Steelers: From Dolphins Backup to Pittsburgh’s Quarterback Gamble

Skylar Thompson, the former Miami Dolphins quarterback, is making a fresh start with the Pittsburgh Steelers after agreeing to a deal with the team, according to his representatives at SportsTrust Advisors. Thompson’s journey with the Dolphins began in 2022 when he was selected as a seventh-round draft pick. Over the course of three seasons, Thompson bounced between the active roster and the practice squad, and despite some promising moments, he struggled to solidify his role with the team.

The 27-year-old faced a pivotal moment in August 2024 when he won the backup quarterback job behind starter Tua Tagovailoa, edging out Mike White for the position. However, when Tagovailoa was placed on injured reserve following a concussion in Week 2, Thompson was thrust into the starting role. Unfortunately, his performance under pressure was inconsistent. In a Week 3 matchup against the Seattle Seahawks, Thompson posted just 107 passing yards, was sacked five times, and committed two fumbles before being forced to leave the game with an injury. That 24-3 defeat highlighted the challenges Thompson faced in maintaining the team’s offensive rhythm.

Throughout his three years with the Dolphins, Thompson appeared in 10 regular season games and made three starts. His career totals included one touchdown, five interceptions, and a rough playoff performance in January 2023, where he threw one touchdown and two interceptions in a narrow 34-31 loss to the Buffalo Bills. Despite these struggles, Thompson’s potential has caught the attention of the Steelers.

In Pittsburgh, he joins a quarterback room that features Russell Wilson, Justin Fields, and Kyle Allen, all of whom are expected to hit free agency in March. This presents Thompson with an opportunity to earn a spot, possibly as a backup or to compete for a more prominent role as the Steelers look to secure their quarterback of the future.