Dolphins Bench QB Tua Tagovailoa, Slated To Start Quinn Ewers
Tua Tagovailoa won't start in Week 16
The Miami Dolphins could be paying their backup quarterback $54 million in 2026.
Yes, you read that correctly.
The Dolphins are benching starting quarterback Tua Tagovailoa, according to NFL Media’s Ian Rapoport. Quinn Ewers will get the start against the Cincinnati Bengals in Week 16, his first since entering the league as a seventh-round pick last offseason.
Tagovailoa signed a four-year, $212.4 million contract extension back in 2024, though there is an out in 2026 — with his $54 million fully guaranteed salary for next season being the only thing stopping Miami from cutting ties prior to 2027.
Tagovailoa can be released this offseason, though that would set a new record dead cap hit of $99.2 million that could be spread out if he’s designated as a post-June 1 cut ($67.4 million in 2026, $31.8 million in 2027). The Denver Broncos currently hold the record for dead cap hit ($85 million) with their release of quarterback Russell Wilson, and we all see how well that one worked out for them.
Miami could also look to eat the majority of the money and trade him to be someone’s bridge quarterback next season.
Tagovailoa will hit the bench having completed 67.7% of his passes for 2,660 yards, 20 touchdowns and 15 interceptions in 2025.
The Patriots will face the Dolphins to close out the regular season in Week 18, and will likely face Ewers, if not fellow backup Zach Wilson, as they prepare for an expected playoff run.
