UPDATE: In a shocking move, the Miami Dolphins have officially benched quarterback Tua Tagovailoa as they prepare to start rookie Quinn Ewers against the Cincinnati Bengals this Sunday. This decision comes just days after Tagovailoa struggled in a loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers on December 15, 2025.
Tagovailoa, who signed a lucrative $212.4 million contract extension last year, has faced increasing criticism for his performance this season. While he has thrown for 2,660 yards with 20 touchdowns and 15 interceptions, he leads the NFL in interceptions and has seen his completion percentage drop to 67.7%—a significant decline from his previous seasons.
When asked about his future with the team, Tagovailoa expressed uncertainty. “I can’t predict the future. It is what it is,” he stated. His comments reflect a mix of disappointment and professionalism as he shifts to the role of emergency third-string quarterback.
Ewers, a seventh-round rookie, will make his first start this weekend, stepping into a position that Tagovailoa has held for all 14 games this season. Head coach Mike McDaniel indicated that the decision was based on a need for change amid the Dolphins’ struggles to stay competitive.
Despite his recent challenges, Tagovailoa’s performance last season was noteworthy; he achieved the NFL’s highest passing-efficiency rating and led the league with 4,624 passing yards. However, injuries have hampered his ability to maintain that success, and his struggles this year have prompted the coaching staff to seek alternatives.
Tagovailoa reflected on his performance, acknowledging, “I haven’t been performing up to the level and the capabilities that I have in the past.” Moving forward, he emphasized his commitment to support Ewers and the team, stating, “My role here right now is to help whoever the quarterback is going to be for this team.”
Financially, if the Dolphins retain Tagovailoa for the 2026 season, he will cost the team $57 million with a guaranteed $54 million. The implications of this decision could significantly affect the Dolphins’ salary cap strategy moving forward, with potential dead money impacting their budget.
As the Dolphins look to turn their season around, all eyes will be on rookie Ewers this Sunday. Fans and analysts alike are eager to see if this shakeup will lead to a resurgence for the Miami franchise or if it will mark the end of an era for Tagovailoa.
Stay tuned for further developments as the situation evolves and to see how Ewers performs in his debut.
