The Miami Dolphins have benched quarterback Tua Tagovailoa in favor of seventh-round rookie Quinn Ewers for their Week 16 matchup against the Cincinnati Bengals. Coach Mike McDaniel stated that Ewers gives the team the best chance to win, following Tagovailoa's struggles this season. Tagovailoa, who leads the NFL with 15 interceptions, expressed disappointment but pledged to support the team.
The Miami Dolphins made a significant change at quarterback on Wednesday, benching Tua Tagovailoa and naming rookie Quinn Ewers the starter for Sunday's game against the Cincinnati Bengals. This decision comes after the Dolphins' 28-15 loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers on Monday Night Football, where Tagovailoa completed 22 of 28 passes for 253 yards, two touchdowns, and one interception. However, his performance through three quarters was lackluster, with just 65 passing yards and the interception, as Miami trailed significantly.
In 14 games this season, Tagovailoa has completed 67.7% of his passes for 2,660 yards, 20 touchdowns, and a league-high 15 interceptions. The Dolphins won four straight games prior to the Steelers defeat, but Tagovailoa threw only three touchdowns and three interceptions during that stretch. Coach Mike McDaniel, who on Tuesday said 'everything is on the table' regarding the quarterback position, explained the move: 'The simple piece is I think Quinn gives this team the best chance to win. Our focus is, obviously, to win the next three games, but in particular... we are focused on beating the Bengals.'
Ewers, selected 231st overall in the 2025 NFL Draft out of Texas, has limited experience, completing 5 of 8 passes for 53 yards in relief duty during a Week 7 loss to the Cleveland Browns. At Texas, he threw for 9,128 yards, 68 touchdowns, and 24 interceptions over three seasons as a starter. Zach Wilson will serve as the primary backup, with Tagovailoa as the emergency third-string option.
Tagovailoa, 27, signed a four-year, $212.4 million extension with $167 million guaranteed in July 2024. The benching raises questions about his future in Miami, given the contract's structure and high cap hits—$56.4 million in 2026 alone—making a departure financially challenging. Tagovailoa acknowledged his performance issues: 'I haven't been performing up to the level or the capabilities that I have in the past.' The Dolphins, officially eliminated from playoff contention at 6-8, aim to end the season on a positive note with Ewers under center.
