The Miami Dolphins announced on Wednesday that they are benching quarterback Tua Tagovailoa. As far as what that means for his long-term future with the team, Tagovailoa is keeping his feelings close to the vest.
Tagovailoa will serve as Miami's emergency quarterback behind the new starter, rookie Quinn Ewers and second-stringer Zach Wilson. It's entirely possible, if not even probable, that Tagovailoa has played his last game with the Dolphins. That issue was brought up during Tagovailoa's media session on Wednesday. While talking to reporters, he discussed how unsure things are.
"I can't predict the future," Tagovailoa said, per Joe Schad of The Palm Beach Post. "I can't predict any of that. So it is what it is. And as I've said I've got to help out Q (Quinn Ewers), help out Zach (Wilson), whoever the starter is or is going to be, do what I can to help them in that role."
Tagovailoa was also critical of his own play when discussing why the change happened.
"I would say the biggest thing and being honest with myself has been my performance," he said, per Schad. "I haven't been performing up to the level and capabilities that I have in the past."
While injuries have sidelined Tagovailoa in the past, he's started every other game this season. His numbers, though, have been down. Through 14 games, Tagovailoa has completed 67.7% of his passes for 2,660 yards with 20 touchdowns and 15 interceptions. By comparison, in only 11 games last season, he completed 72.9% of his passes for 2,867 yards with 19 touchdowns and 7 interceptions.
Several teams figure to be in the market for a new starting quarterback, especially as the 2026 NFL Draft is generally not seen as a strong one for quarterbacks. Even more teams are likely to be looking for a veteran to challenge a young starter or be insurance for an established one. Additionally, Tagovailoa can still be a long-term option somewhere, as he'll turn 28 in March.
It's certainly been a rough year for both Tagovailoa and the Dolphins in 2025. That said, if he is done in Miami, Tagovailoa shouldn't lack for options going forward.