Dolphins’ McDaniel Clarifies Decisions on Ewers and Tagovailoa

In a surprising decision, Miami Dolphins head coach Mike McDaniel has demoted Tua Tagovailoa to the third spot on the team’s quarterback depth chart. The announcement was made on Wednesday, ahead of the important matchup against the Cincinnati Bengals.

Dolphins’ New Starting Quarterback: Quinn Ewers

Quinn Ewers, a rookie seventh-round draft pick, has been named the starter for this Sunday’s game. Zach Wilson, previously a backup, will take the second-string position. Tagovailoa will serve as the emergency third quarterback.

Implications for Tagovailoa

• Financial Consequences: If Tagovailoa plays but gets injured, the Dolphins could owe him an additional $17 million unless he passes a physical when released.
• Guaranteed Salary: The Dolphins are on the hook for $54 million guaranteed for Tagovailoa for the next season, regardless of his team status.
• Performance Struggles: This demotion follows a game where he struggled, accumulating only 65 yards through three quarters and finishing with a passer rating below 50.

McDaniel emphasized that Ewers presents the team with the best chance to win. He praised Ewers’ confidence and his competitive spirit, stating, “Quinn gives this team the best chance to win.” McDaniel believes that Ewers’ demeanor significantly impacts the team’s overall performance.

Team Dynamics

When asked about Tagovailoa’s future with the Dolphins, McDaniel refrained from speculation, stating he is focused on the upcoming season rather than 2026. This demotion has been difficult for Tagovailoa, a player known for his leadership and competitiveness. McDaniel commented, “It was a tough conversation, but he exhibited what made him a captain.”

Quarterback Performance Comparison

Tagovailoa has had a challenging season. Despite throwing for 253 yards in a recent game, his statistics are deceiving after a lackluster first three quarters. He has thrown a league-high 15 interceptions and ranks 30th in QBR.

The Dolphins’ offense has struggled to score, failing to surpass 17 points in seven of their games against teams with winning records. With Tagovailoa’s performance in decline, McDaniel had to prioritize the team’s competitiveness moving forward.

As Miami prepares for their next game against Cincinnati, all eyes will be on Ewers as he takes the reins as the starting quarterback. The Dolphins hope that this new direction will revitalize their season and provide an opportunity for improvement.