End of an Era? Dolphins Bench Tua Tagovailoa for Rookie Quinn Ewers

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MIAMI GARDENS, FL — In a move that has sent shockwaves through the NFL, the Miami Dolphins have officially benched quarterback Tua Tagovailoa. Following a disappointing 28-15 loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers on Monday night that mathematically eliminated Miami from the playoffs, head coach Mike McDaniel announced that the team will move forward with seventh-round rookie Quinn Ewers.

The decision marks a stunning fall for Tagovailoa, who signed a massive four-year, $212.4 million extension just last year. However, a dismal 2025 campaign—defined by a league-leading 15 interceptions and a career-low QBR—forced the Dolphins’ hand as they shift their focus toward an uncertain future.

The Breaking Point: Monday Night Meltdown

The benching was not a snap judgment but the culmination of a month-long offensive regression. The “Nova-like” efficiency that Tagovailoa displayed in 2023 has vanished, replaced by a passing attack that McDaniel admitted was “not up to standard.”

The Final Straw: Against the Steelers, Tua struggled to move the ball, recording only 65 passing yards through the first three quarters. While he padded his stats with two late touchdowns in “garbage time,” the game was largely decided by his NFL-leading 15th interception and two drive-killing sacks.
The “Conviction” Factor: In his press conference, McDaniel was blunt about the change. “Ultimately, the team needs, and I’m looking for conviction in quarterback play,” McDaniel said. “I felt Quinn would play the position the most convicted, which impacts every player on the field.”

Tua’s Reaction: “Disappointed, Not Happy”

Speaking to the media on Wednesday, a visibly somber Tagovailoa did not hide his frustration. While he vowed to remain a professional and help Ewers prepare for his first start against the Bengals, he admitted the move was a bitter pill to swallow.

“Disappointed. I’m not happy about it, but it’s something out of my control,” Tagovailoa said. “I know I haven’t been performing up to the level needed… but I’m here to help the starter help us win games.”

Tagovailoa will serve as the emergency third-string quarterback for the remainder of the season, effectively signaling that his time as the active leader of the franchise has reached a standstill.

The Quinn Ewers Era Begins

The spotlight now shifts to Quinn Ewers, the 21-year-old rookie out of Texas. Selected in the seventh round, Ewers was seen as a developmental project, but his “fearless disposition” in practice earned him the chance to audition for the 2026 starting role.

First Start: Ewers will make his NFL debut this Sunday against the Cincinnati Bengals.
The Backup: Interestingly, the Dolphins have moved Zach Wilson to the primary backup role, further pushing Tagovailoa down the depth chart.

A $212 Million Problem

While the Dolphins are ready to look at Ewers, they are tethered to Tagovailoa by one of the most restrictive contracts in sports.

Option	Cap Hit / Dead Money
Keep as Backup	$56.4 Million Cap Hit in 2026
Outright Release	$99.2 Million Dead Money (NFL Record)
Spring Trade	$45.2 Million Dead Money

With a projected dead-cap hit of nearly $100 million if released, the Dolphins are in a “financial straitjacket.” Many analysts suggest the team may follow the “Atlanta/Kirk Cousins” model—keeping Tua as an incredibly expensive backup while grooming a cheaper rookie starter.