What's next for Chad Pennington?

Former Jets quarterback Chad Pennington, who is coming off a third shoulder surgery after being injured early last season, will likely leave the Dolphins organization as a free agent. But that doesn't meant the team hasn't valued his leadership and wouldn't consider bringing him back as a backup to Chad Henne (pictured) next season.

"We talked to Chad [Pennington],” Dolphins GM Jeff Ireland said at the scouting combine in Indianapolis. “We’ve talked to Chad on a number of different avenues. Obviously that’s a decision that would show you my cards on where we’re going from our offseason plan. I like Chad a lot. I think he’ s tremendous for the team. He’s a tremendous leader. But those decisions will be coming later.”

Pennington might be considered in St. Louis and Arizona for a starter's job, although it appears Matt Leinart is set in Arizona while reports continue to indicate that the Rams will take a run at Michael Vick. And Pennington told Rich Cimini of the Daily News at an appearance during Super Bowl week that he'd be open to coming back to New York to become Mark Sanchez's backup. Pennington's preference, however, is to compete for a starting job.

Asked if the Dolphins were better off that Henne took over for Pennington in the first month last season because of the injury, Ireland said: “I don’t have a crystal ball. I don’t know how much better off we’d have been with Chad Pennington. I know Chad Pennington was outstanding in 2008.

"But Chad Henne, right now he’s our quarterback and he’s the future of the organization right now," Ireland said. "I feel like having his play time and his experience that he had in 2009 is exceptional. I can’t tell you we’d be better off with Chad Pennington. I do know this kid developed nicely. He got put in some really tough situations. He’s going to continue to develop and I’m very pleased with his development.”