The Miami Dolphins, after their embarrassing 28-6 loss on Thursday Night Football to the Baltimore Ravens, made a huge decision regarding the future of the franchise.
They fired longtime general manager Chris Grier, signifying massive changes are coming for the Dolphins. A busy trade deadline might now be on the horizon, but one player's job might no longer be a sure thing.
According to NFL Network insider Ian Rapoport, Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa might get benched later this season if he doesn't show signs of improvement. Rapoport dove into why such a move would be made, and it's not a far-fetched outcome.
NFL insider reveals why Dolphins might bench Tua Tagovailoa
"The quarterback question in Mimai has become a problem in recent days." Rapoport writes. "Tagovailoa has struggled through a brutal start to the season, leading the league with 11 interceptions. ...If nothing changes, it is reasonable that Miami would consider a QB change."
While Mike McDaniel has been able to get the best out of Tagovailoa before, the veteran quarterback's play this season is too much to ignore. He's regressed as a passer, and with Tyreek Hill injured and a Jaylen Waddle trade a potential move, Tagovailoa's future with the organization is far from a sure thing.
If Miami does bench Tagovailoa, the former New York Jets top-five pick Zach Wilson, who signed a $6 million deal in free agency, or rookie seventh-rounder Quinn Ewers would be in line to start for the Dolphins.
"Tagovailoa's play would have to really fall off for Miami to turn to either Wilson or Ewers," Rapoport writes, "but a potential benching is not off the table at some point this season."
The short term, seeing Tagovailoa get benched mid-season, could allow for the Dolphins to see what McDaniel can do with either Ewers or Wilson. While neither might be the answer, it's worth a try if the season is already lost.
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At 2-7, Miami is likely selling at the deadline, though Tagovailoa isn't going to be traded. At least, during the season. Rapoport mentions that Miami could move on from Tagovailoa in the offseason by way of a trade.
With his $212.4 million contract being a tricky one to move, Miami would need to eat some of the contract to make a deal work. But, if a team is looking for a bridge quarterback, Tagovailoa wouldn't be the worst option.
Moving on from Tagovailoa, even if he's benched this season, might not happen until after the 2026 season. With his huge contract, the Dolphins could keep him for 2026, starting him with a revamped roster in hopes of the Pro Bowler rediscovering what made him great early in his career.
But right now, following a brutal Week 9 performance, Miami is strongly considering benching Tagovailoa if his struggles continue. The Tagovailoa decision in the offseason will be a very fascinating one. For now, in the middle of the year, the most Miami might do is bench Tagovailoa for Ewers or Wilson.
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