The Dolphins moved to improve their depth at quarterback Tuesday following Chad Pennington’s season-ending shoulder injury, acquiring Tyler Thigpen from the Chiefs for an undisclosed draft pick.
Originally claimed off waivers from the Vikings in 2007, Thigpen went on to start eleven games for Herm Edwards’ 2008 Chiefs, impressing fantasy owners but not many others while putting up a lot of passing yardage in the team’s spread offense.
Thigpen became obsolete when Todd Haley took over as the head coach, falling to third on the depth chart behind Matt Cassel and Brodie Croyle. This is the second trade between new Chiefs G.M. Scott Pioli and his father-in-law Bill Parcells. (So do they talk family before Thigpen, after, or not at all?)
Thigpen will likely settle into the role of Chad Henne’s primary backup in Miami, with Pat White remaining an active part of the Wildcat formation. Thigpen is also very athletic and has experience with gimmicky offenses, so he could be another tool for the Dolphins to use when they go to the Wildcat.
To Ron Jaworski’s dismay and Jon Gruden’s delight, Miami figures to use the formation more than ever with Pennington out for the year.