Overview
- Head coach Mike McDaniel solely decided to bench Tagovailoa for rookie Quinn Ewers, and ESPN reports his own job status has not been finalized heading into the final two games.
- Cutting Tagovailoa now would carry about $99.2 million in dead money, while a pre–June 1 trade would leave roughly a $45.2 million dead hit and save $11.2 million on the cap, with $54 million guaranteed in 2026 and a $3 million 2027 trigger still looming.
- Multiple executives told ESPN the Dolphins may be "almost stuck" with Tagovailoa, suggesting any trade would require Miami to absorb salary, and some advise a Russell Wilson–style reset by eating the money.
- Analysts have floated cap-clearing options, including a potential Tyreek Hill move that would free about $23.65 million, described as possibilities rather than decisions.
- Ewers went 20-of-30 for 260 yards with two interceptions in his first start and will start again as coaches tailor the plan to his quick release and off-schedule ability against the Buccaneers.