Miami Dolphins could sign any of these 5 quarterbacks to fill Tua Tagovailoa's spot

The Miami Dolphins are in the market for a quarterback with Tua Tagovailoa's immediate and long-term future unknown after suffering another concussion Thursday night.

Do the Dolphins stick with backup Skylar Thompson as their starter or bring in someone who possibly could be an upgrade to the third-year veteran as the starter, whether it's for weeks, months or the remainder of the season?

Thompson replaced Tagovailoa after the Dolphins starter was injured during the third quarter of the Bills' 31-10 victory. He was 8 of 14 for 80 yards.

Coach Mike McDaniel gave Thompson a vote of confidence Friday.

"The team and the organization are very confident in Skylar," McDaniel said. "And see there was a reason he was our backup quarterback. That being said, we will bring in someone. We’re just evaluating the pros and cons for the different situations and getting through all those possibilities to do the best thing for the team. But as it stands today, I’m expecting that Skylar is the next man up.”

If Skylar is the starter, who could the Dolphins add as his backup?

HAL HABIB: Tua Tagovailoa's best interests may not include taking another snap for Dolphins

Here are five names to watch:

Ryan Tannehill, free agent

Tannehill, 36, is a free agent after an 11-year career, including six with the Dolphins and the last five seasons in Tennessee. The former first-round pick started 151 of 155 games and was a Pro Bowler in 2019.

C.J. Beathard, free agent

Beathard was released by Jacksonville before the regular season began with an injury settlement. The 30-year-old started three games the last five years and worked under McDaniel in San Francisco during his first three years in the NFL. He also has a Dolphins connection: He's the grandson of former NFL executive Bobby Beathard , who once was Miami's director of player personnel from 1972-77.

Bailey Zappe, Chiefs practice squad

Zappe, 25, played two years with the Patriots with eight starts before being released this year and signing with Kansas City.

Tyler Huntley, Ravens practice squad

Huntley, a Dania Beach native, spent four years in Baltimore, became a free agent in March and returned to Baltimore after being released by the Browns in August. Huntley, 26, has started nine games.

Desmond Ridder, Cardinals practice squad

Ridder, 25, spent his first two years in Atlanta and was traded to Arizona in March. He has played in 19 games, starting 17.

Dolphins could trade for one of these QBs

Here are five QBs the Dolphins could pursue via trade: Mac Jones, Jacksonville; Carson Wentz, Chiefs; Jimmy Garoppolo, Rams; Trey Lance, Cowboys; Joshua Dobbs, 49ers.

Tom D'Angelo is a senior sports columnist and golf reporter for The Palm Beach Post. He can be reached at tdangelo@pbpost.com.

This article originally appeared on Palm Beach Post: Miami Dolphins could sign any of these 5 quarterbacks to fill Tua Tagovailoa's spot