Miami Dolphins are replacing starting quarterback Tua Tagovailoa with rookie Quinn Ewers, a decision confirmed by an anonymous source on Wednesday.
The Decision
Dolphins coach Mike McDaniel said he was considering the switch after the team fell 28-15 to the Pittsburgh Steelers on Monday night, a loss that eliminated Miami (6-8) from playoff contention. The move has not yet been announced by the organization.
Why Tagovailoa?
Tagovailoa, 27, has started every game this season but has a history of concussions. He missed six games last season after playing 17 in 2023. He led the NFL in passing yards that season, helped the Dolphins win 11 games to secure a wild-card spot, and earned a four-year, $212.4 million extension in July 2024 that includes $167.2 million guaranteed.
The quarterback also leads the league with 15 interceptions and has not played up to the terms of his contract since signing the extension.
Ewers Background
Quinn Ewers was the 231st pick in the 2024 NFL Draft. He started three seasons at Texas before being selected in the seventh round. In his only action this season, he was 5 for 8 for 53 yards in a lopsided loss to the Cleveland Browns in October.
Cap Implications
Releasing Tagovailoa would trigger significant salary-cap hits for the Dolphins:
- A $99 million dead-cap charge if released next year.
- If designated as a post-June 1 release, the charges split over two years: $67.4 million in 2026 and $31.8 million in 2027.
The league’s all-time biggest cap hit came when the Denver Broncos released Russell Wilson for $85 million in 2024.
Key Takeaways
- Miami Dolphins are benching Tua Tagovailoa for rookie Quinn Ewers after a Steelers loss.
- Tagovailoa has a history of concussions, leads the league in interceptions, and has a massive contract extension.
- Releasing Tagovailoa would result in a $99 million dead-cap charge, split as $67.4 million in 2026 and $31.8 million in 2027 if designated post-June 1.
The decision reflects the Dolphins’ desire to move forward with a younger quarterback while managing cap implications as the season concludes.
