BREAKING: The Miami Dolphins have officially benched quarterback Tua Tagovailoa in a shocking move that changes the team’s trajectory this season. Just announced on Wednesday, rookie Quinn Ewers will start in place of Tagovailoa during Sunday’s game against the Cincinnati Bengals, marking a significant shift for the franchise.
This urgent development comes as the Dolphins aim to salvage their playoff hopes. Tagovailoa, who signed a $212.4 million contract extension last year, has struggled this season, throwing the most interceptions among NFL quarterbacks while ranking seventh in completion percentage. With a passing-efficiency rating of 88.5, he has completed 260-of-384 passes for 2,660 yards, with 20 touchdowns and 15 interceptions.
Ewers, a seventh-round rookie, steps into a crucial role after Tagovailoa held the starting position for all 14 games this season. Tagovailoa expressed his disappointment, stating, “I can’t predict the future. It is what it is,” when asked if this might be his last game with Miami.
This decision follows a series of lackluster performances from Tagovailoa, who previously had a standout 2022 season, earning a Pro Bowl nod and leading the league with 4,624 passing yards. However, injuries have plagued him, including a concussion and a hip injury that sidelined him for six games last season.
In his own words, Tagovailoa acknowledged his struggles: “I haven’t been performing up to the level and capabilities that I have in the past.” He emphasized his commitment to the team, stating he would support Ewers as he prepares for his first NFL start. “My role here right now is to help whoever the quarterback is going to be… I love this team,” he added.
The financial implications of this benching are significant. If the Dolphins retain Tagovailoa next season, he will cost the team $57 million, with a $54 million guarantee for the 2026 season. Releasing him would result in a $99.2 million hit to their salary cap, a staggering figure that could affect the team’s overall strategy going forward.
As the Dolphins prepare for their next game, fans are left wondering about Tagovailoa’s future with the team. Coach Mike McDaniel hinted at the possibility of major changes, stating, “everything is on the table.”
The upcoming match against the Bengals now holds added significance, not just for playoff positioning but also for the future of the Dolphins’ quarterback situation. Will Ewers rise to the occasion, or will the Dolphins revisit their decision on Tagovailoa?
This developing story will be closely watched as Miami’s season hangs in the balance. Stay tuned for updates on this critical situation as it unfolds.
