In a stunning shake-up, the Miami Dolphins are benching quarterback Tua Tagovailoa after a disappointing 28-15 loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers on Monday, according to multiple reports.
According to Fox News, Rookie Quinn Ewers, the team’s seventh-round pick from Texas in the 2025 NFL Draft, is expected to take over under center.
The move is especially surprising given Tagovailoa’s massive four-year, $212 million contract extension, signed in July 2024, which included $167 million guaranteed.
The former Alabama star had led the NFL in passing yards in 2023 with 4,624 and topped the league in completion percentage (72.9%) in 2024, despite playing only 11 games.
This season, however, Tagovailoa has struggled. Through 14 games, he has completed 67.7% of his passes for 2,660 yards, throwing 20 touchdowns but also a league-high 15 interceptions.
In Monday’s loss to the Steelers, Tagovailoa completed 22 of 28 passes for 253 yards with two touchdowns and one interception. Most of his production came late in the game, when the outcome was already decided.
The defeat officially eliminated the Dolphins from playoff contention, dropping them to 6-8 after a promising four-game winning streak.
Miami had the option to turn to veteran Zach Wilson, but opted to give Ewers the starting role instead. The rookie has seen limited action so far, completing five of eight passes for 53 yards.
The Dolphins’ decision marks a dramatic pivot for the team, signaling a move toward youth and development at quarterback as the organization looks to regroup after a season of highs and lows.
Tagovailoa’s benching comes amid mounting pressure after a season that began with high expectations following his historic contract extension and past league-leading performances.
The Dolphins now turn to Ewers, hoping the rookie can inject energy and consistency as Miami prepares for its final two games of the season.
Fans and analysts will be watching closely to see whether Ewers can rise to the challenge and potentially lay the foundation for the Dolphins’ future at quarterback.
