Tua Tagovailoa has received a lot of backlash for the Miami Dolphins’ disastrous 2025 campaign. The quarterback’s lack of productivity has raised questions about his future with the franchise.
On Monday, the Dolphins suffered a 28-15 loss at the hands of the Pittsburgh Steelers. In that game, Tua Tagovailoa completed 22 of 28 passes for 253 yards, two touchdowns and an interception. Now, coach Mike McDaniel has decided to bench the veteran in favor of rookie Quinn Ewers in Week 16.
On Wednesday on ESPN’s “First Take,” Stephen A. Smith shared his unfiltered thoughts on Tagovailoa’s benching. He highlighted the four-year, $212.4 million extension the Dolphins gave him last year and how the quarterback is hampering the team’s chance at success.
“You owe him $99 million dollars,” Smith said. “Essentially $54 million guaranteed for the next season’s $99 million dead cap hit, or between 2026 or 2027. You’re stuck with him or one way or the another, whether directly or indirectly, he’s definitely inhibiting you ability to succeed.
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“He’s miniature, he’s scared to get hit, and we can’t knock him. Y’all look at what he’s been through. Look at the concussions. …The problem is, that he’s too fragile to be an NFL quarterback. He has proven that, and it has impeded Miami’s ability to succeed. They’re making the right decision (to bench him).”
This season, Tua Tagovailoa has tallied 2,660 yards and 20 TDs passing. He also leads the league in interceptions with 15 to his name while being sacked 30 times on the field.
While naming Quinn Ewers as the QB1 for Week 16, Mike McDaniel demoted Tagovailoa to third-string duties while Zach Wilson served as the backup.
“I think Quinn gives this team the best chance to win,” McDaniel said. “Ultimately, the team needs and I’m looking for conviction in quarterback play. Understanding that he is a rookie, I felt that he would play the position the most convicted, which impacts every player on the field.”
Matt Ryan shares his thoughts on Tua Tagovailoa’s future with the Dolphins
If the Dolphins get rid of Tagovailoa before June, then they would owe the quarterback $99 million in dead money.
On Wednesday’s episode of the “Up & Adams” show, ex-NFL star Matt Ryan came forward to talk about Tua Tagovailoa’s future with the team. He agreed with Mike McDaniel’s decision to bench the quarterback while highlighting his underwhelming 2025 campaign.
“I mean, not surprising,” Ryan said. “I think, you know, Mike McDaniel’s comments after the game sort of let you to speculate that they were going in this direction. … I think you’re in the fact-finding and data finding stage of the season.
“Frankly, I think Mike was right. I think Tua’s play just hasn’t been good enough and not to the standard that they’ve talked about. This is a great opportunity for Quinn Ewers. … I think Tua probably has some good football still in front of him.”