MIAMI GARDENS, Fla. — As the Miami Dolphins navigate through a season where playoff aspirations have slipped away, they are poised to turn the page to a new chapter by giving rookie quarterback Quinn Ewers his first start. With no significant goals remaining this season, the Dolphins are looking to evaluate their roster as they prepare for a pivotal offseason.
Assessment of Tua Tagovailoa’s Performance
Quarterback Tua Tagovailoa has been benched, a decision that has been brewing for several weeks, given his recent struggles. Despite the team’s success—winning five of their last seven games—Tagovailoa’s performance has been underwhelming. He ranks notably low across multiple metrics, sitting at 30th in QBR and 24th in passing yards since Week 10. His outing against the Pittsburgh Steelers, where he threw an interception that even Coach Mike McDaniel could not defend, solidified the decision to shift gears.
Implications for Tua’s Future
Tagovailoa’s benching marks a significant turning point, potentially relegating him to the role of a bridge quarterback, or worse, positioning him as a free agent. Teams are wary of his substantial financial commitment, with $54 million in guarantees lingering over his contract for 2026. This financial burden makes a trade complicated unless the Dolphins significantly cover his contract, leaving them in a tough spot. Whether Tagovailoa can reconcile with the team remains uncertain, especially in a climate that might favor fresh starts through the draft or other acquisitions.
Financial Considerations of Moving On
The constraints of Tagovailoa’s current contract add layers of complexity to any potential transition. Releasing him would incur almost $100 million in dead salary cap charges, a scenario no team wants to navigate. Trading him before March 13 could mitigate some of these costs but still complicate Miami’s salary cap situation. The Dolphins find themselves in a precarious needle-threading existence, weighing immediate future needs against long-term financial health.
The Future of Coach Mike McDaniel
From the outset, Coach McDaniel was tasked with maximizing Tagovailoa’s potential, emerging with solid but unfulfilled results. His performance in the 2022 season showcased improvement, yet durability concerns have hampered advancement. McDaniel’s future hangs in the balance, as he seeks to develop another franchise quarterback. The challenge lies in balancing the team’s demands for immediate results against the time required for player development.
Introducing Quinn Ewers
Quinn Ewers arrives with a promising predraft profile, having led Texas for three seasons and notching impressive stats. While he showed signs of struggle when faced with pressure or complex defenses, his proficiency in a clean pocket showcases his potential. Ewers’ ability to read defenses and execute quick, decisive plays aligns well with Miami’s offensive strategies, offering hope for revitalization in the passing game.
Ewers vs. Zach Wilson
While the Dolphins signed Zach Wilson as an insurance policy, the decision to go with Ewers reflects a commitment to growth. Ewers possesses the advantage of having been drafted for development, allowing him to step into a role that could provide invaluable experience in these final games of the season. Miami embraces a potential win-win: Ewers can shine, suggesting a new future, or the team may bolster its draft position by losing out.
Locker Room Dynamics
The transition to Ewers may inject a much-needed energy into a Dolphins locker room that seems aware of the need for change. While Tagovailoa’s status as a team captain has not shielded him from scrutiny, Ewers could offer a fresh voice and perspective. His demeanor and work ethic will be critical in reshaping any lingering sentiments towards the former starter, especially as the team aims to unify in pursuit of improvement.