Miami Dolphins starting QB Tua Tagovailoasigned a four-year $212.4 million extension in July 2024 that included a fully guaranteed $167 million that immediately shapes roster decisions moving forward.
Through 10 games this season, he has totaled 1,952 passing yards, 17 touchdowns, and 13 interceptions - the second most of his NFL career - completing just 68.2% of his pass attempts - his lowest completion rate since 2022.
Meanwhile, head coach Mike McDaniel, who took over in 2022, reached the playoffs in each of his first two years but hasn't matched that early success, with the team going 8-9 in 2024 and currently on pace for a second straight losing season.
While many Dolphins fans urge for a change, NFL Network's Ian Rapoport shared a fresh update Sunday on the outlook for both the quarterback and head coach.
“My understanding of where it goes from here for Mike McDaniel is that owner Stephen Ross wants him to continue to be the head coach, has supported him, has invested in him, believes in him, if at all possible, would like McDaniel to continue. If that happens, there is a much better chance that Tua Tagovailoa, his quarterback, is the quarterback next year as well.”
“Yes, they do have $54 million fully guaranteed to Tua. If they wanted to move on from him, they can. Teams have done in the past, Russell Wilson, the most noteworthy example. But it is fair to say, these two futures are tied together.”
“There is no bigger champion in the Dolphins building for Tua than his head coach,” Rapoport added.
The Dolphins parted ways with GM Chris Grier on Oct. 31, 2025, and the front office shakeup has increased trade rumors and internal re‑evaluation of the roster.
Tua's extension (average AAV of $53.1M) carries a remaining $54 million that is fully guaranteed, which limits short‑term flexibility and creates significant dead‑cap if Miami chooses to move on, making an in‑season or immediate offseason separation costly.
McDaniel's deal - extended in 2024 and intended to run through 2027 - forces owner Stephen Ross to stick by him publicly while still retaining the option to move on if things don’t improve and players don’t buy in.
Miami's 2025 record sat at 3-7 entering Week 11 after an upset 30-13 win over Buffalo that temporarily quieted critics and raised questions about whether the locker room remains intact.
Tua's six-year career has experienced both highs and lows that help explain both optimism and frustration in the building and among the fanbase.
While there’s still a chance Miami can finish above .500, the odds are stacked against them, and now they may have to run it back with the same core that’s underperformed over the last two seasons.
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