The NFL World was hit with a bombshell report on Wednesday as one of their highest paid quarterbacks has officially lost his starting job. The news was announced as the league is preparing for its 16th week.
Breaking News: Dolphins Bench Tua Tagovailoa
The Miami Dolphins made headlines by benching quarterback Tua Tagovailoa for the remainder of the season. Head coach Mike McDaniel turned to seventh-round rookie Quinn Ewers as the new starter, beginning with the upcoming game against the Cincinnati Bengals. This move follows Miami’s elimination from playoff contention after a 28-15 loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers on Monday Night Football, dropping the team to 6-8.
Why Bench Tua Tagovailoa Now?
Tagovailoa, in his sixth NFL season, has struggled mightily in 2025. He leads the league with 15 interceptions (a career high) while throwing for 20 touchdowns and completing 67.7% of his passes. Despite staying healthy and starting all 14 games, his decision-making, mobility, and downfield accuracy have regressed, contributing to the Dolphins’ inconsistent offense.
Coach McDaniel hinted at changes after the Steelers loss, stating the quarterback play “was not good enough.” With playoffs off the table, Miami shifts focus to evaluating younger talent like Ewers (a 2025 draft pick) and backup Zach Wilson. The decision underscores broader turmoil: General Manager Chris Grier was fired earlier, and McDaniel’s job security is in question.
This marks a potential end to the Tua era in Miami, less than two years after his massive extension.
Tua Tagovailoa’s Massive NFL Contract: Financial Breakdown
Tagovailoa signed a four-year, $212.4 million extension in July 2024, making him one of the highest-paid QBs in the NFL with an average annual value of $53.1 million. The deal includes $167.171 million total guaranteed and a $42 million signing bonus.
Key remaining obligations:
- 2026: $54 million fully guaranteed (vested in March 2025).
- Cutting or trading him pre-2026 would trigger massive dead cap hits: Up to $99.2 million (pre-June 1) or split $67.4 million (2026) + $31.8 million (2027) post-June 1.
- The contract runs through 2028, but realistic exit points start in 2027 with more manageable savings.
Miami is essentially locked in for 2026, making Tagovailoa “virtually untradeable and uncuttable” without severe cap consequences.
What’s Next for Tua and the Dolphins?
With three games left, Ewers gets a chance to audition. Tagovailoa’s future likely involves competing for his job in 2026 or a restructure. Fans and analysts debate if this benching signals a full rebuild.
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