Overview
- ESPN’s Adam Schefter reported the Dolphins moved on from Tagovailoa this week and are prepared to move on in the offseason.
- Rookie Quinn Ewers will start against the Bengals after Tagovailoa’s demotion, with Zach Wilson passed over and described as very disappointed by coach Mike McDaniel.
- Tagovailoa has $54 million guaranteed for 2026, with an additional $3 million set to vest in mid-March and a possible $17 million if an injury leads to a failed physical.
- Cutting Tagovailoa before June 1 would leave more than $99.2 million in dead cap, while a pre–June 1 trade would be roughly $45 million and could require Miami to absorb salary.
- McDaniel said owner Stephen Ross did not influence the quarterback change, praised Tagovailoa’s leadership, and players said Tua has been helping Ewers prepare.