Matt Flynn Signs with Seattle Seahawks: What's Next for the Miami Dolphins?

If the Miami Dolphins were hoping to find their quarterback for the 2012 season in free agency, they're out of luck.

First, Peyton Manning spurned them, and now, Peter King of Sports Illustrated has reported that the Seattle Seahawks have signed free-agent quarterback Matt Flynn.

As in, not the Dolphins.

Flynn completed 33 of 49 passes for 518 yards, six touchdowns and two interceptions in five games in 2011. Of course, the capstone game for Flynn was the season finale against the Detroit Lions, a game in which he set the Packers record for passing yards in a single game.

It was my opinion that the Dolphins were wise not to offer too large a deal for Flynn, but losing out on yet another QB search has to be harrowing for Dolphins followers.

What Does It Mean?

A 13-year search for the heir to Dan Marino continues. 

The Dolphins have a new head coach, Joe Philbin. They traded away their best wide receiver—and arguably best player—in Brandon Marshall, and they have yet to land a quarterback. They are also more than a few pieces short on defense.

Just a few weeks ago, we were talking about how the addition of Manning might transform the Dolphins into a legit contender. Today, this has all the ingredients for another rebuilding year for the Dolphins.

What's Next?

It's hard to tell exactly what Miami's offseason plan is at this point, unless they long ago resigned themselves to a rebuilding year.

Another move in free agency certainly isn't out of the question. Patriots quarterback Brian Hoyer recently received a second-round tender as a restricted free agent. Hoyer hasn't quite proven enough to warrant the forfeiture of a second-round pick, but that's a direction the Dolphins could look if they think he's their guy.

Still, Dolphins followers should begin turning their eyes to the draft, where the team has the No. 8 overall selection.

With so many needs—quarterback, wide receiver, right tackle, defensive end, linebacker and safety—the Dolphins really can't go wrong with their top pick.

But at this point, Dolphins fans have to wonder why Flynn didn't want to play for Philbin in Miami.

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