The Miami Dolphins have finalized a surprising midseason trade, sending backup quarterback Skylar Thompson to the Seattle Seahawks in exchange for a 2025 third-round draft pick and a conditional 2026 fifth-round pick. This move has significant implications for both teams as they navigate the second half of the NFL season, with playoff aspirations hanging in the balance.
The trade was announced late last night after days of speculation surrounding the Seahawks’ need for quarterback depth. The deal sends 25-year-old Skylar Thompson, a promising young quarterback, to Seattle in exchange for valuable draft capital. The conditional pick in 2026 could increase in value based on Thompson’s playing time and performance with the Seahawks.
Thompson, a seventh-round pick in the 2022 NFL Draft out of Kansas State, has been a dependable asset for the Dolphins. While he has primarily served as a backup, his performances in spot starts and preseason games showcased his mobility, accuracy, and composure under pressure.
For the Seahawks, the trade addresses an immediate need in their quarterback depth chart. With Drew Lock nursing a lingering injury and starter Geno Smith absorbing significant hits in recent weeks, the Seahawks were left vulnerable. Head coach Pete Carroll and general manager John Schneider moved quickly to secure Thompson, who they believe can step into the role seamlessly.
“We’ve been watching Skylar for a while now,” said Carroll in a press conference. “He’s a young player with great upside, and we believe he’ll fit into our system well. Depth at quarterback is critical, especially with the season heating up, and this move gives us a strong insurance policy while also adding a dynamic player to our roster.”
Seattle, currently locked in a heated battle for supremacy in the NFC West, views Thompson as a potential contributor both in the short term and as a developmental piece for the future.
For the Dolphins, this trade reflects a long-term vision for the franchise. With Tua Tagovailoa playing at an MVP-caliber level and backup Mike White firmly entrenched in the second spot, Miami felt comfortable moving Thompson to secure valuable draft capital.
Head coach Mike McDaniel expressed gratitude for Thompson’s time with the team: “Skylar has been an incredible professional and teammate. He’s always prepared and ready to step up when called upon. This move isn’t about what he didn’t do—it’s about an opportunity for him to thrive elsewhere while giving us a chance to continue building for the future.”
The Dolphins have been aggressive in managing their roster, balancing win-now moves with long-term planning. By acquiring future draft picks, Miami strengthens its ability to make impactful moves in upcoming drafts, either by selecting top talent or using the picks as trade assets.
Seattle’s playoff hopes are alive as they battle in a competitive NFC West division led by the San Francisco 49ers. The addition of Thompson provides much-needed depth and insurance behind Geno Smith. If Smith were to miss time, the Seahawks now have a quarterback who has demonstrated the ability to lead an NFL offense.
For Miami, the trade reflects their confidence in Tua Tagovailoa staying healthy and Mike White stepping up if needed. The Dolphins are leading the AFC East and have their sights set on a deep playoff run, with no immediate need for a third quarterback.
However, this move leaves them slightly exposed should injuries strike their quarterback room. Fans and analysts alike are debating whether trading Thompson was a gamble, given the physical demands of the NFL season.
The trade has sparked mixed reactions from both fanbases:
- Dolphins fans: Many are optimistic about the future picks but concerned about losing a reliable backup. “Skylar gave us hope when Tua was out. I hope we don’t regret this move,” one fan wrote on social media.
- Seahawks fans: The response has been largely positive, with fans welcoming Thompson and praising the front office for addressing a pressing need. “It’s great to see the team thinking ahead. Skylar has potential, and we’ll need him in this playoff race,” a fan commented.
Skylar Thompson is expected to report to Seattle immediately and begin familiarizing himself with offensive coordinator Shane Waldron’s playbook. Depending on how quickly he adapts, Thompson could be ready to serve as Geno Smith’s primary backup in the coming weeks.
The Dolphins, meanwhile, will rely on their existing quarterback duo and look forward to using their newfound draft capital to bolster the team in the years to come.
This trade is a bold move that highlights the strategic thinking of both franchises. As the season progresses, all eyes will be on how Skylar Thompson performs in Seattle and whether this trade pays off for both teams.
Leave a Reply