The Facts: Meeting with reporters Wednesday, HC Adam Gase went out of his way to back Tannehill, saying, per The Miami Herald: "I see him as our starting quarterback" in 2018.

Diehards Line: Gase added that Tannehill is on pace to participate in spring workouts, saying the 29-year-old passer "will probably be stronger than he's ever been" after suffering a season-ending knee injury in training camp. Gase strongly hinted that veteran Jay Cutler would not have a role with the club in 2018, which comes as little surprise. Miami's disappointing 6-10 campaign was forcefully thrown off track by Tannehill's setback -- his second knee injury in less than a year -- but the Dolphins aren't planning for a quarterback competition. It's notable because Miami holds the No. 11 pick in a springtime draft littered with quarterback prospects. Meanwhile, Tannehill's $17.5 million salary for 2018 isn't guaranteed until March. A parting of ways is feasible, but Gase sees Tannehill as a key piece of the puzzle -- not a guy about to lose his job.