Overview
- Quinn Ewers debuted with 20-of-30 passing for 260 yards and two interceptions in a 45-21 loss to Cincinnati and is set to start Sunday against the Buccaneers, drawing praise for his operation, quick release and off‑schedule play.
- ESPN reports the benching was solely head coach Mike McDaniel’s decision, his backing of Tagovailoa has waned, and his own job status remains unsettled entering the season’s final games.
- Cutting Tagovailoa would leave roughly $99 million in dead cap, while a pre–June 1 trade would shed guarantees, save about $11.2 million on the cap and still carry a $45.2 million dead‑money charge.
- Multiple executives told ESPN the Dolphins may be “almost stuck” with Tagovailoa and would likely need to retain salary in any trade, with some advising a Broncos-style reset that eats the money to move on.
- With the playoffs out of reach, Miami is using the final games to evaluate Ewers and other young players, and potential practice‑squad elevations are under consideration for the home finale.