The Miami Dolphins are making a bold move that has NFL fans buzzing: benching veteran quarterback Tua Tagovailoa and handing the reins to seventh-round rookie Quinn Ewers, the former Texas Longhorns legend. Ewers’ first NFL start comes this Sunday against the Cincinnati Bengals – could this be the game-changer that reshapes the Dolphins’ future?
Why the Dolphins Are Betting Big on Quinn Ewers
The shocking quarterback switch was confirmed Wednesday after the Dolphins’ playoff hopes ended with a 28-15 loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers on Monday Night Football. Coach Mike McDaniel, who had said quarterback play “was not good enough” and “everything’s on the table,” opted for the rookie over veteran backup Zach Wilson.
Tua Tagovailoa, coming off a four-year, $212.4 million extension signed in 2024, has struggled in 2025. The 27-year-old leads the NFL with 15 interceptions in 14 games, alongside 20 touchdowns, 2,660 passing yards, and a career-low passer rating. Despite leading the league in passing yards in 2023, Tagovailoa’s turnover issues and inconsistent play have raised questions about his long-term fit.
With the Dolphins at 6-8 and eliminated from contention, the final three games become an audition for the future – and Ewers, drafted 231st overall in the 2025 NFL Draft, gets the spotlight.
Quinn Ewers: The Texas Longhorns Legend Ready to Shine in Miami
Quinn Ewers entered the NFL as a former No. 1 high school recruit who redshirted at Ohio State before transferring to Texas. Over three seasons with the Longhorns (2022-2024), he threw for impressive yards, earned Second-Team All-SEC honors in 2024 and Second-Team All-Big 12 in 2023, and led Texas to back-to-back College Football Playoff appearances.
The 22-year-old made his NFL debut in Week 7 against the Cleveland Browns, completing 5-of-8 passes for 53 yards in mop-up duty. Ewers has impressed coaches in practice and preseason, with his strong arm, quick release, and familiarity with pro-style concepts from Steve Sarkisian’s offense – which shares similarities with McDaniel’s scheme.
Chosen over Zach Wilson, Ewers’ promotion signals the Dolphins’ belief in his upside as a potential low-cost franchise quarterback.
Could Quinn Ewers’ Debut Change Everything for the Miami Dolphins?
Ewers’ first start is Sunday, December 21, at Hard Rock Stadium against the Bengals. With stars like Tyreek Hill and Jaylen Waddle at his disposal, the rookie has the tools to explode onto the scene.
If Ewers delivers, it could spark late-season momentum, provide answers at QB heading into 2026, and ease the financial pressure from Tagovailoa’s massive contract (which carries significant dead cap implications if moved).
NFL insiders are calling this one of the most intriguing rookie debuts of 2025. From Texas hero to potential Dolphins savior – Quinn Ewers has the chance to change everything in Miami.
Don’t miss Ewers’ highly anticipated start. The NFL landscape could shift dramatically based on what happens next! Stay updated on all Quinn Ewers and Miami Dolphins news.
