The Miami Dolphins announced this week that they had benched quarterback Tua Tagovailoa in favor of rookie Quinn Ewers. The news came after head coach Mike McDaniel said, “The QB play last night was not good enough. Everything is on the table.”
Regarding the news, quarterback Tagovailoa said, he’s “disappointed about losing starting job and doesn’t know if he has played last game as a Dolphin.” Someone who thinks differently is former Dolphins Pro Bowl left-tackle Terron Armstead. Armstead went on SiriusXM NFL Radio and said “I think he’s the quarterback next year for the Miami Dolphins.”
Armstead spent three years with the Dolphins, all of which the offense was led by quarterback Tua Tagovailoa unless he was hurt. The former Dolphin reinforced his comments on his podcast where he added, “This isn’t an audition to the starting job, Tua is still your starting QB. Week 1 kickoff next year, Tua Tagovailoa is the starting QB.”
Tua Tagovailoa’s Future With the Miami Dolphins
Earlier this year, a report by NFL Network insider Ian Rapoport seemed to give some credibility to what Terron Armstead is saying. Rappoport said “Tua Tagovailoa is expected to remain Miami’s QB next season as Stephen Ross wants to keep Mike McDaniel in 2026.” However, that report came prior to Tagovailoa’s benching. When asked about Tagovailoa’s future with the team, McDaniel declined to comment as he said he “wants to focus on 2025.” Regarding owner Stephen Ross’ role in the decision, McDaniel said he played no role in the decision.
Miami Herald reporter Barry Jackson disagreed with Terron Armstead’s viewpoint, as he said “that it’s more likely Tua exits this offseason than returns.”
The biggest reason Armstead’s opinion may become a fact stems from a money issue for the Dolphins. Tagovailoa currently carries a $54 million cap hit in 2026, which makes his contract hard to get rid of. Regarding the contract and Tua’s future status with the team Barry Jackson also added “No decision can possibly be made until coach/GM have been announced for 2026.”
Mike McDaniel’s Future With The Dolphins
Amidst the Dolphins decision to bench Tua Tagovailoa is the looming decision of whether to retain head coach Mike McDaniel. Earlier this year it was reported that McDaniel had a chance to “save his job” with a good finish to the season, but a disappointing performance against the Steelers on Monday Night Football likely diminished those chances.
McDaniel opted to try and win the remaining three games with rookie seventh-round draft selection Quinn Ewers instead of established veteran Tua Tagovailoa. One potential way Tagovailoa could return as Miami’s starter is if McDaniel is let go from his position, and replaced with a new head coach that wants to work with Tagovailoa.
Pro Football network author Matt Infante gave his thoughts on McDaniel and Tua’s situation saying, “Tua Tagovailoa got paid because Mike McDaniel “fixed” him and then encouraged his GM to pay him. McDaniel benching Tua (which is deserved) would essentially be McDaniel firing himself. He’s admitting it didn’t work. It all needs to be wiped clean this offseason. All of it.”
With the Dolphins facing their second consecutive losing season and second consecutive year without a playoff appearance, cleaning slate would not be a surprising move.
Former Dolphins Captain Says Tua Will Remain Dolphins QB in 2026