The Miami Dolphins are grappling with significant challenges as they navigate the aftermath of the benching of quarterback Tua Tagovailoa. Following a promising four-year, $212.4 million contract extension in July 2024, which included $167 million in guarantees, expectations soared for Tagovailoa. However, the team’s performance has sharply declined, with the Dolphins now facing a second consecutive losing season. This downturn raises pressing questions about both Tagovailoa’s future and the team’s direction.
In the early days of his tenure, Tagovailoa demonstrated impressive capabilities, leading the NFL in passing yards with 4,624 yards in the 2023 season. Former general manager Chris Grier emphasized the team’s confidence in Tagovailoa, stating, “The way he’s attacked this and wants to be great… we do think there’s still another level.” Yet, less than two years later, the narrative has shifted dramatically as Tagovailoa finds himself sidelined, struggling with uninspired play.
Decline in Performance and Impact on the Team
Tagovailoa’s recent performance has raised concerns among evaluators. Currently ranked 30th in QBR with a score of 36.7, he has fallen significantly from his previous rankings of 10th and 15th in the two prior seasons. A veteran NFL scout noted that Tagovailoa appears “not as twitchy or explosive as he was a year and a half ago,” pointing to a perceived comfort that may have hindered his play. Despite maintaining a significant presence in the team’s facilities, he has struggled to connect with open receivers on the field.
The mental toll of his concussion history is also a factor. Grier openly acknowledged Tagovailoa’s availability as an issue, which may have led to caution in his decision-making. As observed in a pivotal game against Pittsburgh, Tagovailoa’s hesitation to scramble for crucial yardage highlighted a shift in his competitive edge. An NFL defensive coach remarked on Tagovailoa’s inability to progress beyond his first read, contributing to a concerning trend of interceptions.
The Role of Mike McDaniel and Future Options
The decision to bench Tagovailoa was made by head coach Mike McDaniel, reflecting a shift in his support for the quarterback. While McDaniel has consistently praised Tagovailoa since taking the helm in 2022, the current situation suggests that this support may be waning. One NFL executive speculated that if the Dolphins continue to trust McDaniel, they may opt to pursue a new quarterback, recognizing his skills as an offensive coach.
With the Dolphins’ prospects in mind, McDaniel’s decision to play Quinn Ewers for the remainder of the season could serve dual purposes: evaluating a potential future starter and assessing the team’s offensive capabilities. Historically, franchises have taken bold steps to pivot away from underperforming quarterbacks, and the Dolphins may soon face similar choices.
The prospect of parting with Tagovailoa raises complex financial considerations. His contract includes $54 million in guaranteed money for 2026, which complicates potential trade discussions. Several league executives indicated that trading the benched quarterback with durability concerns and a hefty price tag would be challenging. One NFC executive noted, “Cutting him doesn’t help them financially,” underscoring the financial intricacies involved.
Despite the hurdles, the Dolphins may explore avenues to move on from Tagovailoa if trade attempts prove unsuccessful. Drawing parallels to other teams, one personnel executive suggested that the Dolphins might need to follow a strategy that prioritizes a clean break.
As the Dolphins look ahead, they face a critical offseason, particularly with their general manager position still unsettled. Interim GM Champ Kelly has the opportunity to solidify his role, but uncertainty looms regarding the overall direction of the franchise. Owner Stephen Ross must weigh the merits of maintaining the status quo versus implementing changes to address the team’s current challenges.
The Dolphins are currently positioned to select 10th overall in the April 2025 draft, providing an opportunity to secure a top quarterback prospect. Additionally, they may need to consider their financial strategy regarding veterans like Tyreek Hill, who could free up significant cap space if released.
In conclusion, the future of the Miami Dolphins hinges on critical decisions regarding Tagovailoa and the overall direction of the franchise. As the team grapples with its current state, the potential for change remains high, with both immediate and long-term implications for the organization.
