Oct 30, 2025; Miami Gardens, Florida, USA; Miami Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa (1) throws downfield during the second quarter against the Baltimore Ravens at Hard Rock Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Sam Navarro-Imagn Images
The future of Tua Tagovailoa as the starting quarterback for the Miami Dolphins appears uncertain following a dismal performance this season. With a record of 2-7 over nine starts and a QBR of just 43.6, the Dolphins are reportedly considering significant changes to their quarterback situation. According to NFL Media insider Ian Rapoport, the team may look to bench Tagovailoa in favor of Zach Wilson or rookie Quinn Ewers later in the season if his performance does not improve.
Rapoport emphasized that Tagovailoa’s play would need to decline further for the Dolphins to make such a drastic move. Recent statistics suggest he may be nearing that threshold, having thrown seven of his eleven interceptions in the last four games. Both Wilson and Ewers have already stepped in during blowout losses this season, with Wilson completing 5-of-8 passes for just 32 yards in a 33-8 loss to the Indianapolis Colts in Week 1. Ewers, selected in the seventh round out of Texas, managed 5-of-8 passing for 53 yards in a 31-6 defeat against the Cleveland Browns in Week 7.
What implications would a benching have for Tagovailoa? Should the Dolphins decide to replace him, it would signal a shift in their long-term plans. This decision would not come without challenges, especially considering Tagovailoa’s recent contract extension. In July 2024, he signed a four-year deal worth $212.4 million, with $167.1 million guaranteed. Releasing him would incur a record cap hit of $99.2 million for the franchise.
To mitigate financial repercussions, Miami could designate Tagovailoa as a post-June 1 cut, which would allow them to spread the cap hit over the next two seasons, incurring $67.4 million in 2026 and $31.8 million in 2027. This strategy mirrors the approach taken by the Denver Broncos in March 2024 when they released former QB Russell Wilson after absorbing an $85 million cap hit.
Alternatively, the Dolphins might explore trading Tagovailoa, but doing so would also come with complications. A pre-June 1 trade would leave $45.2 million in dead money against the salary cap, and given Tagovailoa’s struggles and history of injuries, finding a suitable trade partner may prove difficult. His career has been marred by four documented concussions, raising concerns about his durability.
As the Dolphins navigate these challenging decisions, they will hope for improvement from the 27-year-old quarterback. According to Over The Cap, Tagovailoa’s contract guarantees extend until 2027, meaning the team may be forced to stick with him for the foreseeable future unless a viable solution emerges.
