Miami, FL – December 17, 2025 – In a bombshell move that’s sending shockwaves through the NFL, the Miami Dolphins have officially benched quarterback Tua Tagovailoa and named seventh-round rookie Quinn Ewers as the starter beginning this Sunday against the Cincinnati Bengals. Dolphins fans are in meltdown mode – is this the end of the Tua era in Miami?
Dolphins Bench Tua Tagovailoa: Why the Shocking QB Change Now?
The decision follows a humiliating 28-15 loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers on Monday Night Football, which officially eliminated the Dolphins (6-8) from playoff contention. Head coach Mike McDaniel pulled no punches, previously stating that quarterback play “was not good enough” and “everything’s on the table.”
Tua Tagovailoa, who inked a massive four-year, $212.4 million extension in 2024, has endured a nightmare 2025 season. The 27-year-old leads the NFL with 15 interceptions in 14 games, paired with just 20 touchdowns and a career-low passer rating. Once hailed for leading the league in passing yards in 2023, Tagovailoa’s accuracy and decision-making have regressed sharply amid ongoing durability concerns.
With no postseason on the line, Miami is pivoting to evaluate the future – and that future could belong to rookie sensation Quinn Ewers, chosen over veteran backup Zach Wilson.
Quinn Ewers: From Texas Longhorns Star to Potential Dolphins QB Savior
Quinn Ewers, drafted by the Dolphins with the 231st overall pick in the seventh round of the 2025 NFL Draft, was once the No. 1 overall high school recruit. After a redshirt year at Ohio State, he transferred to Texas, where he threw for 9,128 yards, 68 touchdowns, and 24 interceptions over three seasons, guiding the Longhorns to consecutive College Football Playoff appearances.
The 22-year-old made his NFL debut in Week 7 against the Cleveland Browns during mop-up duty, completing 5-of-8 passes for 53 yards and displaying impressive poise. Ewers has shone in preseason and practice, with his quick release, rhythm throwing, and experience in pro-style offenses aligning perfectly with McDaniel’s scheme.
Insiders report Ewers outshone expectations in camp, earning this opportunity to prove he’s a viable long-term option – especially with Tagovailoa’s hefty contract cap hit looming large.
Fan Reaction Explodes: Is Tua Tagovailoa’s Miami Dolphins Tenure Finished?
Dolphins Nation is in chaos. Social media is flooded with reactions ranging from outrage to excitement over the rookie takeover. Many fans point to Tagovailoa’s turnover woes and inability to elevate the offense as reasons the change was overdue, while others lament the potential waste of his massive deal.
Ewers’ first start hits Hard Rock Stadium this Sunday, December 21, against the Bengals. These final three games represent a critical audition: If the former Texas standout lights it up, he could secure a low-cost QB solution for 2026 and beyond, potentially signaling the end for Tua in Miami.
Will Quinn Ewers spark a late-season miracle and cement his status as the Dolphins’ next franchise QB? Or will this prove a short-lived experiment? The NFL world – and furious Dolphins fans – can’t look away.
Stay locked for live updates on Quinn Ewers’ debut and the fallout from Tua Tagovailoa’s benching. This quarterback controversy is just heating up!
