Miami Dolphins bench Tua Tagovailoa, starting rookie Quinn Ewers for Week 16 vs. Bengals.
Coaching Decision
The Dolphins announced a significant change to their offensive lineup after the 28‑15 loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers on Monday Night Football. ESPN’s Adam Schefter reported that head coach Mike McDaniel will sit Tagovailoa and hand the starting role to Quinn Ewers for the upcoming game against the Cincinnati Bengals. McDaniel was deliberate in his comments, stating, “The quarterback play last night was not good enough. So for me, everything is on the table,” the coach told reporters on Tuesday, via NFL Network.
Contract and Financial Implications
Tagovailoa’s contractual situation adds a layer of complexity to the decision. In July 2024, the quarterback signed a four‑year, $212 million extension that keeps him under contract through 2028. The deal already guarantees him $54 million in 2026, and releasing him would trigger $99 million in dead money for the Dolphins. These figures underscore how the organization is weighing on‑field performance against long‑term financial commitments.
2025 Season Performance
The 2025 season marked the first year of Tagovailoa’s new extension. He started the Dolphins’ first 14 games, completing 67.7 % of his passes for 2,660 yards, 20 touchdowns, and a league‑leading 15 interceptions. While the yardage and touchdown totals were respectable, the high interception count became a focal point for critics and the coaching staff alike.
Quinn Ewers and Upcoming Games
Ewers entered the season as a seventh‑round rookie from the University of Texas. He has made just one appearance so far and has otherwise served as the Dolphins’ emergency quarterback. With the switch, he will face the Bengals in Week 16. The Dolphins will then close out the season with a Week 17 home game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and a Week 18 road game against the New England Patriots.
Key Takeaways
- The Dolphins have benched Tua Tagovailoa for Week 16, promoting rookie Quinn Ewers.
- Tagovailoa’s four‑year, $212 million extension carries $54 million guaranteed in 2026 and $99 million in potential dead money.
- In 2025, Tagovailoa completed 67.7 % of passes for 2,660 yards, 20 touchdowns, and 15 interceptions.
The decision signals a shift in the Dolphins’ approach as they aim to salvage the remainder of a season that has already been declared out of playoff contention. While the move carries significant financial implications, the coaching staff appears focused on addressing on‑field issues that have plagued the team.
Hi, I’m Cameron R. Hayes, the journalist, editor, and creator behind NewsOfFortWorth.com. I built this platform with a simple purpose — to deliver fast, clear, and trustworthy news that keeps Fort Worth informed and connected.
I’ve spent more than five years working in digital media, reporting on breaking news, local government, public safety, business growth, community events, and the real stories that shape life in Fort Worth. My goal has always been the same: to provide accurate, community-focused reporting that people can rely on every day.
