Dolphins training camp 2017: Will Miami keep three quarterbacks?

The Miami Dolphins have only used two of their 53 roster spots on quarterbacks as the regular season has begun the last several seasons. Typically, those spots have been Ryan Tannehill on the top of the depth chart, with Matt Moore holding the reserve spot. The team then relies on the practice squad to keep a third quarterback around the team and available in case of injury.

Last year, that practice squad position belonged to seventh-round draft pick Brandon Doughty. He spent one season on the active roster, but the rest of the year he worked with the scout team. When Tannehill was injured and missed the final three games of the regular season and the team’s first playoff appearance since 2008, the Dolphins did not promote Doughty, but rather signed free agent quarterback TJ Yates.

Now, heading into 2017, is it possible for Doughty, who again comes into camp as the third quarterback on the roster, to earn a spot on the final 53-man listing, forcing Miami to keep three quarterbacks on the roster?

The Dolphins have an incredibly deep roster this year, especially at positions like defensive end, cornerback, and wide receiver. There are some talented young players who are not going to make the roster simply because Miami cannot find the spot on the roster. Adding a third quarterback keeps Doughty safe, but makes the team have to cut someone else from somewhere else.

Doughty was drafted by this regime in Miami, and they seem to really like him. The Dolphins coaches seem to have a plan that he becomes the backup quarterback whenever Matt Moore retires, and they could worry that another year on the practice squad would lead to Doughty being poached by another team who needs quarterback depth during the season. Could that concern lead to the coaches deciding to add a third quarterback to the roster?

Doughty is on the roster bubble this offseason, and it may be out of his hands on if the Dolphins decide to keep him on the final 53. His play this summer could force the team’s hand, but it might be a math problem with the quarterback position paying for a roster spot somewhere else.

Do you think the Dolphins keep three quarterbacks on the roster in 2017?