Miami Dolphins make a bold move by benching Tua Tagovailoa for rookie Quinn Ewers
In a surprising turn of events, the Miami Dolphins have benched quarterback Tua Tagovailoa in favor of rookie Quinn Ewers, a seventh-round draft pick. This decision has left fans and analysts alike speculating about the future of Tagovailoa in Miami, especially given the challenges posed by his contract. With the Dolphins potentially looking to move on from the young quarterback this offseason, the franchise must now explore different avenues for a replacement, whether through free agency or trades.
Assessing the future of the Dolphins’ quarterback position
The Dolphins face a pivotal moment in their search for a new signal-caller. Should they decide to part ways with Tagovailoa, they have several options to consider, which we’ve categorized for clarity: veteran free agents, trades for starters, trades for backups, and high-upside wild cards. Each category presents its own set of opportunities and risks.
Veteran free agents
This group consists of experienced players whose contracts are expiring, making them unrestricted free agents. Here’s a look at some potential candidates:
Daniel Jones (Colts)
Russell Wilson (Giants)
Marcus Mariota (Commanders)
Tyrod Taylor (Jets)
Joe Flacco (Bengals)
Jimmy Garoppolo (Rams)
While this list boasts some recognizable names, it doesn’t exactly inspire confidence. Daniel Jones, arguably the most notable quarterback here, is coming off a torn Achilles tendon, which complicates his value. Among the options, Marcus Mariota may be the most intriguing. The former second overall pick has considerable starting experience with the Titans, Falcons, and Commanders. This season, he has thrown for 1,600 yards, 10 touchdowns, and seven interceptions across ten games.
Mariota’s mobility remains a draw, providing a different dynamic than Tagovailoa. However, any player from this category would likely serve only as a stopgap option, lacking the long-term upside the Dolphins may desire.
Trades for starters
The next category includes quarterbacks who are still under contract and have been recognized as starters in recent years. Potential options here include:
Kyler Murray (Cardinals)
Geno Smith (Raiders)
This selection raises concerns, as both players have struggled significantly this season. The financial implications of trading for these quarterbacks could also be excessive. Murray’s contract is particularly daunting, especially considering his injury history. Meanwhile, Geno Smith, who had shown promise with the Seahawks, has regressed notably this year. If the Dolphins are to pursue either player, they should only do so if their current teams are willing to absorb part of their contracts, similar to the approach used when Russell Wilson was traded to the Steelers.
Trades for backups
Lastly, we have players who are under contract next season but currently serve as backups on their respective teams. Notable names include:
Mac Jones (49ers)
Davis Mills (Texans)
Tanner McKee (Eagles)
Spencer Rattler (Saints)
This group carries both risk and potential reward. Acquiring any of these quarterbacks would require draft capital, but each has the potential to evolve into a long-term solution. Mac Jones, for instance, has performed reasonably well in relief this season, and with Mike McDaniel still at the helm, his transition to the Dolphins’ offensive scheme could be smoother than expected.
Davis Mills, who has experience as a former starter, has shown flashes of competence, boasting a 3-1 record in his starts this season with 879 passing yards, five touchdowns, and only one interception. The last time he started, his team was struggling, but with a stronger supporting cast, he could thrive.
Navigating the uncertainty ahead
As the Dolphins navigate this critical juncture, the decision to bench Tagovailoa opens a wide array of possibilities for the franchise’s future. Each option comes with its own set of implications, making it essential for the Dolphins to carefully weigh their choices as they look to establish a stable quarterback situation moving forward. The road ahead may be uncertain, but one thing is for sure: the Dolphins are at a crossroads, and how they proceed will shape the franchise for years to come.
