Posted on Jan 05

Dolphins QB Tagovailoa benched, rookie Ewers takes over amid disappointing season

Posted Jan 5, 2026

Tua Tagovailoa's future with the Miami Dolphins hangs in the balance as he navigates a challenging season, marked by injuries and performance struggles.

Why it matters: Tagovailoa's situation is emblematic of the high-stakes nature of quarterback play in the NFL, where franchise decisions hinge on both performance metrics and salary cap implications.

After signing a four-year, $212.1 million extension in July 2024, Tagovailoa became the highest-paid player in Dolphins history, raising expectations for his performance.
He recorded a career-high six missed games due to injury in 2024, contributing to concerns about his long-term viability as a franchise quarterback.

What’s new: Following a disappointing 2025 season, where he threw for only 2,660 yards with 20 touchdowns and 15 interceptions, Tagovailoa was benched for the final three games after a Week 15 loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers.

His benching came as rookie Quinn Ewers stepped in as the emergency third quarterback, highlighting a shift in the team's immediate strategy.
Despite throwing for fewer than 200 passing yards in eight games last season, Tagovailoa still left an imprint as the Dolphins' fourth-leading passer with 18,166 yards and 120 touchdowns.

Yes, but: The decision to bench Tagovailoa raises questions about his role in Mike McDaniel's offensive system moving forward.

While McDaniel emphasized open competition at the quarterback position, the financial ramifications of cutting Tagovailoa before June 1 would lead to a staggering $99.2 million dead cap hit.
Releasing him after June 1 would allow the team to spread that hit across two seasons, affecting their cap strategy significantly.

What to watch: The upcoming months will be crucial for both Tagovailoa and the Dolphins as they weigh their options moving forward.

Should Tagovailoa continue to struggle during training camp or fall short of recovery milestones, the Dolphins may look to explore trade opportunities or other quarterback options.
The team's ongoing evaluation and communication with Tagovailoa's representatives indicate they are open to discussions, signifying a potential path to a fresh start if necessary.

The big picture: This scenario underscores the complex dynamics of the NFL, where player performance, health, and contract status intertwine dramatically.

Tagovailoa has expressed disappointment over being benched, yet he remains poised for a potential comeback, stating, "That would be dope. I would be good with it," indicating his openness to revitalization.

The bottom line: As the Dolphins navigate the future of their franchise quarterback, the stakes could not be higher.

With Tagovailoa representing a significant cap hit in 2026, the organization must tread carefully, balancing loyalty to a former top draft pick with the pragmatic demands of professional football. The decisions made in the coming months will shape not only Tagovailoa’s career but also the trajectory of the Dolphins' aspirations.

Dolphins QB Tagovailoa benched, rookie Ewers takes over amid disappointing season

Alex Parker

Posted Jan 5, 2026

Tua Tagovailoa's future with the Miami Dolphins hangs in the balance as he navigates a challenging season, marked by injuries and performance struggles.

After signing a four-year, $212.1 million extension in July 2024, Tagovailoa became the highest-paid player in Dolphins history, raising expectations for his performance.

He recorded a career-high six missed games due to injury in 2024, contributing to concerns about his long-term viability as a franchise quarterback.

His benching came as rookie Quinn Ewers stepped in as the emergency third quarterback, highlighting a shift in the team's immediate strategy.

Despite throwing for fewer than 200 passing yards in eight games last season, Tagovailoa still left an imprint as the Dolphins' fourth-leading passer with 18,166 yards and 120 touchdowns.

Yes, but: The decision to bench Tagovailoa raises questions about his role in Mike McDaniel's offensive system moving forward.

While McDaniel emphasized open competition at the quarterback position, the financial ramifications of cutting Tagovailoa before June 1 would lead to a staggering $99.2 million dead cap hit.

Releasing him after June 1 would allow the team to spread that hit across two seasons, affecting their cap strategy significantly.

What to watch: The upcoming months will be crucial for both Tagovailoa and the Dolphins as they weigh their options moving forward.

Should Tagovailoa continue to struggle during training camp or fall short of recovery milestones, the Dolphins may look to explore trade opportunities or other quarterback options.

The team's ongoing evaluation and communication with Tagovailoa's representatives indicate they are open to discussions, signifying a potential path to a fresh start if necessary.

The big picture: This scenario underscores the complex dynamics of the NFL, where player performance, health, and contract status intertwine dramatically.

Tagovailoa has expressed disappointment over being benched, yet he remains poised for a potential comeback, stating, "That would be dope. I would be good with it," indicating his openness to revitalization.

The bottom line: As the Dolphins navigate the future of their franchise quarterback, the stakes could not be higher.

With Tagovailoa representing a significant cap hit in 2026, the organization must tread carefully, balancing loyalty to a former top draft pick with the pragmatic demands of professional football. The decisions made in the coming months will shape not only Tagovailoa’s career but also the trajectory of the Dolphins' aspirations.