Blab Sports
Miami Dolphins Sign Undrafted Dual-Threat Quarterback Mark Gronowski
The Miami Dolphins have added former South Dakota State and Iowa quarterback Mark Gronowski to their roster as an undrafted free agent in late May 2026. The 24‑year‑old, 6‑ft‑2, 226‑lb. player will vie for the third‑string spot against Cam Miller, a former North Dakota State starter who also joined the Dolphins in 2023.
Gronowski’s college career was defined by prolific production and a winning record. He started four seasons for the South Dakota State Jackrabbits, guiding the team to a 49‑6 record and back‑to‑back FCS national championships in 2022 and 2023. He earned MVP honors in both title games and was named the 2023 Walter Payton Award winner as the top offensive player in the FCS. That season he totaled 3,058 passing yards, 29 passing touchdowns, five interceptions, 402 rushing yards and eight rushing touchdowns. Over his four years, he accumulated 10,308 passing yards, 93 passing touchdowns, 20 interceptions, 1,767 rushing yards and 37 rushing touchdowns.
In 2025, Gronowski transferred to the University of Iowa for a single season. He helped the Hawkeyes finish 9‑4 and posted 1,741 passing yards, 10 passing touchdowns, seven interceptions, 545 rushing yards and 16 rushing touchdowns. His performance earned him the title of the winningest quarterback in college football history with a career record of 58‑10. He capped the season with a 34‑27 victory over Vanderbilt in the ReliaQuest Bowl and was named MVP of the East‑West Shrine Bowl after throwing for 86 yards and rushing for 28 yards.
Despite his college success, NFL teams have expressed concerns about Gronowski’s transition to the professional level. According to a New York Times scouting report, while he is a “big, sturdy passer” who can use his legs to create opportunities, his timing and ball placement were inconsistent during his final two seasons. The Dolphins’ decision to sign him reflects a willingness to develop his athleticism and dual‑threat capabilities, which have become increasingly valuable in the NFL’s spread offenses.
The Dolphins’ depth chart currently lists Gronowski as the fourth quarterback, behind starter Tua Tagovailoa, backup Cam Miller and third‑string quarterback. The competition between Gronowski and Miller is notable because the two were rivals in college—Miller played at North Dakota State while Gronowski was a star at South Dakota State. Head coach Mike McDaniel has emphasized the importance of depth at the quarterback position, and the coaching staff will evaluate both players during training camp and preseason games.
Miami’s 2026 training camp will begin at the end of July, with preseason games scheduled for August. The Dolphins will use the camp to assess rookie talent and determine the final roster for the regular season. Gronowski’s addition provides the team with a mobile quarterback option that could fit into the Dolphins’ offensive scheme, which has historically favored a mix of passing and rushing threats.
In summary, the Dolphins’ signing of Mark Gronowski adds a proven college performer to a quarterback room that values versatility. The player will face competition from Cam Miller for a roster spot, and both will be evaluated during the upcoming training camp and preseason. The Dolphins’ decision underscores the league’s continued interest in dual‑threat quarterbacks who can contribute both in the air and on the ground.
Gronowski’s college career was defined by prolific production and a winning record. He started four seasons for the South Dakota State Jackrabbits, guiding the team to a 49‑6 record and back‑to‑back FCS national championships in 2022 and 2023. He earned MVP honors in both title games and was named the 2023 Walter Payton Award winner as the top offensive player in the FCS. That season he totaled 3,058 passing yards, 29 passing touchdowns, five interceptions, 402 rushing yards and eight rushing touchdowns. Over his four years, he accumulated 10,308 passing yards, 93 passing touchdowns, 20 interceptions, 1,767 rushing yards and 37 rushing touchdowns.
In 2025, Gronowski transferred to the University of Iowa for a single season. He helped the Hawkeyes finish 9‑4 and posted 1,741 passing yards, 10 passing touchdowns, seven interceptions, 545 rushing yards and 16 rushing touchdowns. His performance earned him the title of the winningest quarterback in college football history with a career record of 58‑10. He capped the season with a 34‑27 victory over Vanderbilt in the ReliaQuest Bowl and was named MVP of the East‑West Shrine Bowl after throwing for 86 yards and rushing for 28 yards.
Despite his college success, NFL teams have expressed concerns about Gronowski’s transition to the professional level. According to a New York Times scouting report, while he is a “big, sturdy passer” who can use his legs to create opportunities, his timing and ball placement were inconsistent during his final two seasons. The Dolphins’ decision to sign him reflects a willingness to develop his athleticism and dual‑threat capabilities, which have become increasingly valuable in the NFL’s spread offenses.
The Dolphins’ depth chart currently lists Gronowski as the fourth quarterback, behind starter Tua Tagovailoa, backup Cam Miller and third‑string quarterback. The competition between Gronowski and Miller is notable because the two were rivals in college—Miller played at North Dakota State while Gronowski was a star at South Dakota State. Head coach Mike McDaniel has emphasized the importance of depth at the quarterback position, and the coaching staff will evaluate both players during training camp and preseason games.
Miami’s 2026 training camp will begin at the end of July, with preseason games scheduled for August. The Dolphins will use the camp to assess rookie talent and determine the final roster for the regular season. Gronowski’s addition provides the team with a mobile quarterback option that could fit into the Dolphins’ offensive scheme, which has historically favored a mix of passing and rushing threats.
In summary, the Dolphins’ signing of Mark Gronowski adds a proven college performer to a quarterback room that values versatility. The player will face competition from Cam Miller for a roster spot, and both will be evaluated during the upcoming training camp and preseason. The Dolphins’ decision underscores the league’s continued interest in dual‑threat quarterbacks who can contribute both in the air and on the ground.
