The close of Tua Tagovailoa’s 2025 season sparked widespread speculation about whether his time with the Miami Dolphins may be nearing an end. That uncertainty only deepened when Tagovailoa openly expressed openness to a fresh start elsewhere in 2026, calling the idea “dope” and saying he would be comfortable with such a move. His comments signaled a notable shift in tone from a franchise quarterback still under a massive long-term contract.
Tagovailoa Benchings Highlight Tensions, Sparking Speculation About Possible Dolphins Departure
The possibility of a split gained traction following Tagovailoa’s final start of the season, a critical prime-time loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers. In that must-win game, Tagovailoa struggled significantly, leading head coach Mike McDaniel to bench him in favor of rookie Quinn Ewers. The move was widely viewed as a turning point and a potential indicator that the organization’s confidence in Tagovailoa had eroded.
Tua Tagovailoa (NFL)Although Ewers’ subsequent performances were inconsistent, they were less about his long-term viability and more about what they represented for Tagovailoa’s standing. Despite signing a four-year, $212.4 million extension before the 2024 season, reports of tension between Tagovailoa and McDaniel suggested that their working relationship might not be sustainable heading into 2026.
McDaniel Confirms Role, QB Competition, and Future Decisions Amid Tagovailoa Uncertainty
McDaniel, for his part, reiterated that he remains the Dolphins’ head coach and expects to be involved in organizational decisions, including the search for a new general manager after Chris Grier’s midseason departure. He emphasized that there will be a competition for the starting quarterback job next season and did not rule out Ewers. McDaniel also noted plans to meet with Tagovailoa to discuss the previous season.
From a financial standpoint, Miami has flexibility if it chooses to move on. Trading Tagovailoa before June 1 would save the team $11.2 million in cap space, while a post–June 1 deal could free up $43 million. As the Dolphins conduct exit interviews and continue their GM search, the decision on Tagovailoa’s future looms as one of the most significant and complex challenges facing the franchise.
