The Buffalo News agrees with a recent WGR 550 Buffalo report that free agent Tyler Thigpen is the "most obvious suspect" to be the Bills' backup quarterback this season.

Thigpen's best year came under Chan Gailey in 2008 when both were with the Chiefs, and he certainly has the athleticism the Bills are said to be looking for in a backup. This might make too much sense not to happen.

Joe Buscaglia of WGR 550 in Buffalo considers free agent Tyler Thigpen the "odds-on favorite" to be the Bills' backup quarterback this season.

Thigpen wants out of Miami, and there is no better landing spot for him than Buffalo, where the 27-year-old has history with Chan Gailey. Gailey also runs variations of the Pistol Spread, the only scheme Thigpen has excelled in dating back to Coastal Carolina. The market for Thigpen is unclear, but we suspect he'd be willing to take a one- or two-year deal worth $2.5-$3 million annually.

GM Jeff Ireland emphasized that the Dolphins will exhaust "all avenues" searching for a veteran quarterback even if free agent Tyler Thigpen is re-signed.

In other words, the Dolphins don't see Thigpen as more than a third quarterback heading into the 2011 season. As a four-year vet, Thigpen's freedom hinges on the labor outcome. He would certainly seem to be available for a late-round pick if his free agency ends up restricted. We suspect the Bills will be interested.

Bills beat writer Joe Buscaglia considers Tyler Thigpen a "natural fit" as Ryan Fitzpatrick's backup if the four-year veteran hits the open market.

Thigpen's free agency hinges on the labor outcome. While he's struggled mightily in short stints under center, Thigpen flourished under Chan Gailey's shot-gun spread late in 2008. A reunion with Gailey would benefit both sides while providing insurance should Fitzpatrick go down with an injury or take a step back in 2011.

The Dolphins have tendered QB Tyler Thigpen as a restricted free agent.

As the exercise in futility that tendering four- and five-year veterans as RFAs continues, Thigpen's one-year tag is not expected to prohibit him from testing unrestricted free agency once a new Collective Bargaining Agreement is reached. Thigpen has four accrued seasons in the NFL.

Dolphins GM Jeff Ireland intends to bring back Tyler Thigpen if the backup is just a restricted free agent this offseason.

Thigpen has four years of experience, which would have qualified him for unrestricted free agency under the old rules. If he gains his freedom under the next CBA, the Dolphins will probably let him walk away.

NFL Network's Jason LaCanfora suggests impending free agent Tyler Thigpen as a backup to Michel Vick if the Eagles end up dealing Kevin Kolb.

Thigpen has the requisite athleticism, arm strength, and competitive streak for the job, so there's never a shortage of media members touting his talents. For purposes of a wake-up call, though, Thigpen has yet to prove he can be even a league-average backup without benefit of a spread offense. The Eagles need a more reliable -- and more accurate -- insurance policy.

The Palm Beach Post's Ben Volin would be "absolutely shocked" if free agent Tyler Thigpen returns to Miami in 2011.

Thigpen is seeking an opportunity to compete for a starting job, and the Dolphins don't view him as more than a backup. It's hard to blame them. Thigpen can't run an offense unless he's working out of a shot-gun spread attack.

Impending free agent Tyler Thigpen isn't expected to re-sign with the Dolphins.

The Fins have been reluctant to give Thigpen an extended look, and he's expected to pursue opportunities elsewhere. He's not shown the ability to be productive in a pro-style offense, which obviously limits his market value.

Tyler Thigpen completed 10-of-21 passes for 169 yards and a touchdown in the Dolphins' Week 17 loss to the Patriots.

The Fins oddly shuttled Thigpen and Chad Henne in and out of the game, with neither ever finding a rhythm. Not that either would have. Thigpen finishes the season with five appearances, a 53.2 completion rate, two touchdowns, and two interceptions. He's slated for unrestricted free agency in 2011, a prospect that might interest old pal Chan Gailey in Buffalo.

The Palm Beach Post does not anticipate the Dolphins naming a Week 12 starting quarterback until just before game time Sunday.

Coach Tony Sparano revealed that Chad Henne (knee) "did work in most of the periods out there" Wednesday. The Dolphins' beat reporters aren't speculating, so we don't know which way to lean. We should know more later in the week.

Making his first start of the season, Tyler Thigpen completed 17-of-29 passes for just 187 yards and one interception against the Bears in Week 11. He added 27 yards on six rushes.

Thigpen got little help from his patchwork offensive line, but it was still a poor performance by a noticeably skittish passer. While Thigpen's athleticism, arm, and aggressiveness are nice attributes, he lacks any semblance of fundamentals and still struggles to read defenses from under the center. The Dolphins picked up just 10 first on 10 possessions and never made a trip to the red zone. Chad Henne should get his job back as soon as he's healthy.

The Dolphins finally confirmed that Tyler Thigpen will start against the Bears Thursday night.

Patrick Ramsey will be active as the primary backup with Chad Henne (knee) as the No. 3 QB. Thigpen will have LT Jake Long playing through a torn labrum and Cory Procter stepping in for Joe Berger at center. It's hard to recommend Thigpen as a fantasy option because so much of his value rests on the Dolphins' willingness to let him work out of spread formations.

Coach Tony Sparano refused to name a starting quarterback on Tuesday.

Sparano only smiled and revealed, "I said [Tyler Thigpen] took a lot of reps." Thigpen handled Tuesday's press conference, and Chad Henne (knee) has been nowhere to be found at Dolphins headquarters. Thigpen will not only start in Week 11, but he's also likely to start the following week with Henne's knee in question.

The Palm Beach Post confirms that Tyler Thigpen is "likely" to start Thursday night's game against the Bears.

Chad Henne's left knee injury may or may not be season-threatening, but the quick turnaround makes it especially unlikely that he'd be available to play. It's hard not to like Thigpen's potential in fantasy leagues as an aggressive, athletic passer with plenty of talent around him, but it won't be an ideal situation with LT Jake Long (shoulder) seemingly unlikely to play. The Bears have also allowed an NFL-low six touchdown passes all year.

Tyler Thigpen completed 4-of-6 passes for 64 yards and a touchdown in Miami's 29-17 victory over Tennessee in Week 10.

Thigpen came in to start the fourth quarter after Chad Henne suffered a devastating knee injury and did not disappoint, leading the team on an impressive 85-yard touchdown drive. He'll almost certainly earn the start in Week 11, and should be considered a QB2 with upside given his aggressive playing style.

Dolphins declared third QB Tyler Thigpen, TE Mickey Shuler, WR Marlon Moore, OL Patrick Brown, OT Lydon Murtha, DE Clifton Geathers, S Reshad Jones, and S Nate Ness inactive for Week 9 against the Ravens.

Channing Crowder will play through a right thumb that was dislocated last week in Cincinnati. Sean Smith has officially regained his starting job opposite Vontae Davis, putting Jason Allen back on the bench.

Dolphins declared third QB Tyler Thigpen, FB Deon Anderson, TE Jeron Mastrud, OG John Jerry, WR Marlon Moore, OL Patrick Brown, LB Quentin Moses and DL Rob Rose inactive for Sunday's game against the Steelers.

The Dolphins are very healthy. The biggest concern in this game is the weather, with thunderstorms predicted for the Miami area.

ESPN's Chris Mortensen said on SportsCenter Tuesday that the Dolphins are concerned about Chad Henne and could eventually turn to Chad Pennington, who would "bridge the gap" to Tyler Thigpen.

Thigpen replaced an ineffective Henne late in Monday's loss to the Patriots but played poorly himself. It's been previously reported that consultant Bill Parcells has been "very disappointed" with Henne. We don't expect the Dolphins to give up on Henne just yet, but it seems the leash is getting shorter.

Ben Volin of the Palm Beach Post speculates that Tyler Thigpen could still be on the trading block.

Volin argues that Pat White has absolutely no trade value, so Thigpen is the logical choice to get dealt with Chad Pennington looking healthy. Keep in mind that last week, Volin also said that White should be cut so the other quarterbacks can get more reps. Thigpen could stir a little interest on the market if a major injury strikes, but he's backup caliber at best.