The Miami Dolphins and head coach Mike McDaniel made the bold decision to bench starting quarterback Tua Tagovailoa after Week 15.
Seventh-round rookie Quinn Ewers out of Texas will get the Week 16 start, and for Miami, this move has signaled the end of the Dolphins career for Tagovailoa.
NFL Network insider Ian Rapoport went as far as to imply that Tagovailoa, amid this Week 16 benching, has likely played his final snap for the Dolphins in his NFL career.
Dolphins bench Tua Tagovailoa, end of Miami career
"Alarming for Tua Tagovailoa," Rapoport said. "He is still owed $55 million fully guaranteed for next year. So it is the expectation that Tua has played his final down with the Miami Dolphins."
From @NFLGameDay: #Dolphins coach Mike McDaniel is likely to be back in 2026, though Tua Tagovailoa is not. Where does it stand for Miami? Pic.twitter.com/H7dxWxc6gQ
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) December 21, 2025
The Dolphins' decision to bench Tagovailoa is a significant one, and not just for the Dolphins and new starting quarterback Ewers.
As Rapoport highlights, this benching likely means that the $212 million quarterback, owed $55 million fully guaranteed next season, has played his final down with Miami.
Running the risk of his injury guarantees hitting if he were to get hurt the rest of the year is also a fear of the Dolphins, as it would make moving on from Tagovailoa that much more difficult.
More: Tua Tagovailoa's contract looks like a nightmare for the Dolphins
But the Dolphins, with McDaniel expected to remain with the team and the Dolphins aiming for a rebuild, are likely to move on from Tagovailoa this offseason.
There was some speculation that he could be a backup for the Dolphins in 2026, thanks to his absurdly high cap hits if he were to be cut.
Instead, the Dolphins fully plan to release or trade Tagovailoa this offseason, even if it means incurring a huge dead cap hit. Miami has likely seen the last of Tagovailoa in a Dolphins uniform.
Tagovailoa will likely be on a new team next season, whether it's through a trade or a release. But, regardless of what path they take, the Dolphins organization is cutting ties with Tagovailoa after the 2025 season.
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