McDaniel Considers Benching Tagovailoa: Here’s Why

Miami Dolphins head coach Mike McDaniel is contemplating benching quarterback Tua Tagovailoa following a lackluster performance in a recent game. In a press conference on Tuesday, McDaniel pointed out that the team needs to uphold a standard at each position. He emphasized that all options are on the table as they look to improve quarterback play.

Quarterback Performance Under Scrutiny

The Dolphins suffered a 28-15 loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers, which raised concerns about Tagovailoa’s performance. McDaniel noted, “The QB play last night was not good enough.” He has not yet decided if Zach Wilson or Quinn Ewers will start in the upcoming game against the Cincinnati Bengals.

Tagovailoa’s statistics tell a troubling story. He managed only 65 yards passing in three quarters and ended the game with a passer rating of 113.2, despite this being misleading due to two late touchdowns. Throughout the season, Tagovailoa has thrown a league-high 16 interceptions.

Decision-Making on the Future

McDaniel also addressed the financial implications of a potential benching. Tagovailoa’s four-year contract, signed in 2024, guarantees him $53 million next season. If the Dolphins release him before June 1, they would incur a significant cap hit of $99 million. However, this would decrease to $67 million after June 1.

• 2026 Dead Money Cap Hit: $99 million (before June 1)
• 2026 Dead Money Cap Hit: $67 million (after June 1)
• 2025 Cap Hit if retained: $56.4 million
• Trading him before June 1 would incur a $45 million hit
• Trading after June 1 would result in a $13 million hit followed by future cap hits

Future Considerations

Amid discussions of potential quarterback changes, McDaniel dismissed the idea of looking for a new starting quarterback for the 2026 season. He highlighted the importance of focusing on the current team’s performance and emphasized that the decisions must prioritize winning games.

Tagovailoa has struggled significantly this season, shown by his QBR ranking 30th in the league. His mobility has decreased, raising concerns about the overall effectiveness of the offensive game plan. McDaniel stated that he intends to make decisions based solely on what he believes gives the Dolphins the best chance to win.

Statistical Overview of Tua Tagovailoa

While McDaniel continues to weigh his options, including the potential of inserting Wilson or Ewers into the lineup, the upcoming game against Cincinnati will serve as a critical opportunity for the Dolphins to reassess their quarterback situation. With the team’s immediate future at stake, every decision counts.