• The Miami Dolphins are seeking a quality backup quarterback but Jimmy Garoppolo is no longer available.
• Remaining free agent options include veteran quarterbacks such as Joe Flacco, Mason Rudolph and Jameis Winston.

Jimmy Garoppolo, the quarterback with ties to Mike McDaniel, is off the board, sticking with the Los Angeles Rams.

The Washington Commanders would like to hang onto Marcus Mariota.

So what does this mean for the Miami Dolphins, who have made it a priority to land a quality backup quarterback behind Tua Tagovailoa?

First off, it’s bad news. There’s no getting around that their two best options are Garoppolo and Mariota. A lot of attention now focuses on Mariota, who was instrumental as a mentor to rookie Jayden Daniels in 2024.

But this is NFL free agency. No time to wallow over what could have been.

Garoppolo would have been a fit because McDaniel was the 49ers’ offensive coordinator in 2021. That year, Garoppolo led the NFL with an average of 12.7 yards per completion.

Breaking down some of the best remaining possibilities, should Mariota not work out in Miami:

Joe Flacco, Indianapolis Colts

Is 40 years old, but does he still have it? Had magical run for Cleveland in 2023, going 4-1, before dropping to 2-4 for the Colts last season. Has had a passer rating 90-plus each of the past two years. Could return to Cleveland.

Mason Rudolph, Tennessee Titans

Turns 30 in July. Was 1-4 last year with an 80.1 passer rating. Was 3-0 for Steelers two years ago. Has good size (6-5, 235), which helps explain why he has been sacked only 33 times in 686 attempts over five years.

Mac Jones, Jacksonville Jaguars

One of the youngest possibilities at 27. Jacksonville native was 2-5 for Jaguars last year. Career yards per attempt is just 6.4 (compared to Tua Tagovailoa’s 7.2), raising the questions of whether his check-it-down style is a fit for Tyreek Hill and Jaylen Waddle.

Jameis Winston, Cleveland Browns

Former Seminole is 31. Went 2-5 in 2024. Not quite the wild gunslinger he once was. Led NFL in 2019 with 5,109 yards and 319.3 yards per game.

Drew Lock, New York Giants

Turns 29 during the season. Was 1-4 for the Giants last season, averaging just 5.9 yards per attempt. Career rating is 78.8 (Tyler “Snoop” Huntley’s is 79.3).

Case Keenum, Houston Texans

Has 66 career starts for Ryan Fitzpatrick-like seven NFL teams. Has thrown for 15,175 yards, 79 TDs and 51 INTs. Career rating 84.6.

Taylor Heinicke, Los Angeles Chargers

Turns 32 Saturday. Threw only five passes in 2024. Has made 29 career starts with 6,663 yards and 84.1 rating.

Carson Wentz, Kansas City Chiefs

Is 32 years old. Starter for Eagles and Colts first six years of his career but has only two combined starts over past two years. Career record of 47-46-1 with 89.3 rating.

Gardner Minshew, Las Vegas Raiders

Expected to be cut as Raiders bring in Geno Smith. Will be 29 in May, meaning mustache is approximately 27 years old. Went 2-7 for Vegas last year with 81.0 rating but career rating is 93.1 with 46 starts.