Tua Tagovailoa Benched: Dolphins Turn to Rookie QB Quinn Ewers for Season Finale

The Miami Dolphins have made a stunning quarterback change. They are benching starter Tua Tagovailoa for the final two games of the season. Rookie Quinn Ewers will start this Sunday against the Cincinnati Bengals.This move follows a disappointing loss that eliminated Miami from playoff contention. Head coach Mike McDaniel had stated all options were being considered.

A Sudden End to a Turbulent Season

The decision came one day after a 28-15 loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers. According to reports from ESPN, the coaching staff felt a change was necessary. Tagovailoa’s performance this season has been inconsistent.He leads the NFL with 15 interceptions. His average of 190 passing yards per game is also a concern. The loss to Pittsburgh was the final straw for the Dolphins’ front office.Tagovailoa signed a massive $212.4 million extension just last July. Moving on from him now creates a huge financial problem for the team. ESPN analysts note it would result in nearly $100 million in dead salary cap money.

What This Means for Miami’s Future

This benching signals a potential major shift for the franchise. The Dolphins are now evaluating Ewers, a seventh-round draft pick, for the future. He was a standout college player at Texas.Ewers gets the chance over veteran backup Zach Wilson. The team signed Wilson to a one-year deal in the offseason. This move clearly shows a desire to see the rookie in action.The long-term implications are significant. Miami must decide if Tagovailoa is still their franchise quarterback. His costly contract makes any decision extremely complicated for the team’s salary cap.

Denmark Burqa Ban Plan Expands to Schools and Universities

This abrupt benching of Tua Tagovailoa ends a chaotic chapter for the Dolphins. The team’s immediate future now rests on the arm of a rookie, with major financial and football decisions looming this offseason.

Info at your fingertips

Why was Tua Tagovailoa benched?

He was benched after a loss that eliminated Miami from the playoffs. Coaches cited inconsistent play, including leading the league in interceptions.

Who is replacing Tua as the starting QB?

Rookie Quinn Ewers, a seventh-round draft pick from Texas, is getting the start. He beat out veteran backup Zach Wilson for the role.

What is Tua Tagovailoa’s contract situation?

He signed a four-year, $212 million extension in July 2024. Releasing him would cause massive salary cap penalties for the Dolphins.

Are the Dolphins out of playoff contention?

Yes. Their loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers in Week 15 mathematically eliminated them from the postseason.

How did Quinn Ewers perform in the preseason?

Ewers completed 23 of 43 passes for two touchdowns. He did not throw an interception during the preseason schedule.

What has been the reaction to this news?

Receiver Tyreek Hill posted a cryptic video seemingly referencing the change. The sports world is debating the Dolphins’ long-term plan at quarterback.