The Miami Dolphins have made a seismic shift at the quarterback position, opting to bench starter Tua Tagovailoa in favour of rookie seventh-round pick Quinn Ewers, according to multiple reports.
Playoff Elimination Triggers Quarterback Change
This dramatic move comes in the immediate aftermath of the Dolphins' elimination from NFL playoff contention. Miami's hopes were officially extinguished following a 28-15 defeat to the Pittsburgh Steelers on a frigid Monday Night Football. Head coach Mike McDaniel confirmed he was considering the switch after the loss, which left the team with a 6-8 record.
The decision centres on the performance of Tagovailoa, who signed a massive four-year, $212.4 million contract extension in July 2024. This season, the 27-year-old has struggled significantly, notably leading the entire NFL with 15 interceptions. His play has not matched the expectations set by his lucrative deal, which included $167.2 million in guaranteed money.
Ewers Steps In as Tagovailoa's Costly Contract Looms
His replacement, Quinn Ewers, was the 231st overall selection in the 2024 NFL Draft. The rookie from Texas has seen minimal action this season, completing 5 of 8 passes for 53 yards in a lopsided loss to the Cleveland Browns back in October.
The move away from Tagovailoa presents a substantial financial conundrum for the Dolphins' front office. Tagovailoa is guaranteed $54 million for the 2026 season. Releasing him would trigger enormous salary cap penalties:
- A release next year would result in a $99 million dead cap charge.
- If designated as a post-1 June release, the charge would be split, with $67.4 million hitting the 2026 cap and $31.8 million in 2027.
For context, this potential charge dwarfs the NFL's record $85 million cap hit the Denver Broncos absorbed for releasing Russell Wilson in 2024.
A Stunning Fall for a Former Passing Leader
This benching marks a stark downturn for Tagovailoa, who was the NFL's passing yards leader in 2023. That season, he started all 17 games, helped Miami to 11 wins and a wild-card playoff berth, directly earning his monumental contract extension.
His career has also been marred by concussion concerns, having missed six games last season due to injury. The Dolphins' decision to turn to Ewers for the remainder of the season signals a pivotal moment for the franchise as they look to an uncertain future, weighed down by one of the league's most challenging financial commitments.
