Without Mark Gronowski under center for the Hawkeyes last season, the Iowa offense would have been far worse than it was.
In a frustrating trend that has continued for multiple seasons, the Iowa passing attack struggled, but the offense found ways to be effective thanks to Gronowski's versatility. After earning the FCS Heisman in 2023, Gronowski became one of the most coveted quarterbacks in the transfer portal before signing with the Hawkeyes in January 2025. Even after a record-setting season with the Hawkeyes, Gronowski went undrafted, but was quickly signed by Miami. Gronowski's tenure in Miami has ended prematurely, but that doesn't mean we should close the book on his NFL career.
Gronowski was waived by Miami just before the start of preseason
Gronowski was one of the top FCS quarterbacks during his four-year career with South Dakota State, putting up staggering numbers and keeping the Jackrabbits in contention for national championships year after year. Gronowski finished his career at South Dakota State tallying 10,330 passing yards and 93 touchdown passes, and added 1,767 rushing yards and 37 rushing touchdowns. His passing numbers dipped during his final collegiate season with the Hawkeyes, but he still managed to set two program records for rushing yards by a quarterback in a season (545) and rushing touchdowns by a quarterback in a season (16).
After a dynamic collegiate career, Gronowski went undrafted but was signed by Miami to compete for snaps with Malik Willis and Quinn Ewers. Following some interception troubles and overall struggles over the summer, Gronowski is now searching for a new home.
Roster Moves | We have signed safety Tanner Wall and claimed cornerback Ahmari Harvey off waivers from Pittsburgh.
— Miami Dolphins (@MiamiDolphins) August 7, 2026
We have also waived quarterback Mark Gronowski and waived/injured safety Omar Brown. pic.twitter.com/5dznrOFD20
Gronowski was bitten hard by the turnover bug this summer, uncharateristically throwing multiple interceptions in practice, and after sliding all the way down the depth chart to No. 4, the Dolphins waived him. Gronowski is far too talented to be a free agent for long, and his dual-threat ability, combined with his veteran leadership should entice a different organization to take a chance on him. Gronowski proved he makes winning plays, and it isn't a fluke that he is the NCAA all-time winningest quarterback with over 50 career wins. Based on his numbers alone, Gronowski should get another chance, but even if you exclude his overall numbers, there's still a lot to like.
He is an extremely smart football player with a high IQ and is a true dual-threat quarterback. Excluding a down passing season in his first and only season with the Hawkeyes, Gronowski notched 2,500-plus passing yards and 400-plus rushing yards in three of four seasons with the Jackrabbits. Gronowski's best quality is his ability to excel above the shoulders in the mental aspects of the game. It didn't work out in Miami, but there are multiple teams that could use some quarterback help.
Multiple NFL organizations could use a QB with Gronowski's pedigree
As we approach the 2026-2027 season, there are multiple teams that could use quarterback help, whether this season or in the immediate future, and Gronowski could easily be that guy. No one is saying he is going to get signed and immediately compete for starting reps, but here are the top three teams that desparately need quarterback help.
- Minnesota Vikings
- New York Jets
- Arizona Cardinals
The Vikings don't look completely sold on former Michigan QB J.J. McCarthy, and with a lengthy injury history and uninspiring play on the field, they brought in former Arizona quarterback Kyler Murray to compete for the starting role. The starting quarterback spot is still up in the air, and with Carson Wentz and Max Brosmer as the other two quarterbacks on the roster, they could easily use an upgrade. Minnesota head coach Kevin O'Connell is well known for his ability to get the most out of his quarterbacks, and that could be a hand-and-glove fit for Gronowski.
The Jets haven't gotten consistent quarterback play for a decade, even with Aaron Rodgers suiting up for the organization for two seasons. The Jets are once again in quarterback limbo with Geno Smith returning to where it all began for him, and fourth-round pick Kade Klubnik as the projected backup. Smith struggled mightily during his tenure in Las Vegas, and Klubnik was successful with Clemson, but is unproven in the NFL. Bringing in a veteran signal-caller like Gronowski makes a lot of sense.
The Cardinals are also in quarterback limbo after releasing Kyler Murray in March, and Jacoby Brissett is unhappy with his current contract. The organization drafted former Georgia and Miami quarterback Carson Beck, and while he has looked good in the summer and the Hall of Fame game, it remains to be seen if he is the long-term solution.
The Steelers and Falcons are also in play, with Aaron Rodgers retiring after next season and Michael Pennix Jr. and Tua Tagovailoa not inspiring much confidence in Atlanta. Gronowski is likely headed to the practice squad, but could provide some much-needed depth as a third- or fourth-string quarterback.
Best potential fit: Minnesota Vikings
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