Quinn Ewers Gets the Nod in Miami as Dolphins Bench Tua Tagovailoa
In a move that sent shockwaves through the league on Wednesday, the Miami Dolphins announced they’re benching quarterback Tua Tagovailoa. The former first-round pick is now watching from the sidelines, and the decision raises serious questions about his long-term future in South Florida.
But that wasn’t the only surprise.
Despite some fans assuming Zach Wilson would be next in line-after signing with Miami this offseason-it’s not the former No. 2 overall pick who’s taking over. Instead, it’s rookie Quinn Ewers who’s been handed the keys to the Dolphins’ offense.
Yes, that Quinn Ewers. The seventh-round pick from this year’s draft.
The same Ewers who, not long ago, was projected as a first-round talent while slinging it at Texas. Now, he’s going from deep on the depth chart to starting his first NFL game this Sunday against the Cincinnati Bengals.
It’s a bold move. And it’s one that puts head coach Mike McDaniel squarely in the spotlight.
Ewers is stepping into a high-pressure situation with playoff implications still in play. The Dolphins’ staff has praised his arm talent, his poise, and his ability to make plays off-script-traits that clearly gave him the edge in this unexpected quarterback shuffle.
According to team sources, Ewers has shown a level of calm and confidence that belies his draft position. That “cool swagger” and ability to create when things break down?
That’s exactly what McDaniel and company are banking on.
Still, you can’t help but feel for Zach Wilson in all this. After a rocky tenure with the New York Jets, Wilson was traded to the Denver Broncos last season, where he quietly rebuilt his reputation under Sean Payton.
By most accounts, he did what was asked of him and did it well. When the offseason rolled around, he was looking for a fresh opportunity-somewhere he could compete, maybe even push for a starting job.
That led him to Miami.
But instead of getting a shot, Wilson now finds himself in a familiar role: watching from the sideline, this time behind a rookie.
The Broncos, for their part, had appreciated Wilson’s presence last year. He was part of a quarterback room that included Bo Nix and Jarrett Stidham, and Denver was reportedly open to keeping him around.
But they understood his desire to find a team where he might get another chance to start. That door, at least for now, seems closed in Miami.
Denver moved on by bringing in Sam Ehlinger, who’s apparently so content with his new surroundings that he’s turning down opportunities to climb the depth chart elsewhere.
As for Ewers, the spotlight is now firmly on him. This is a huge moment-not just for the Dolphins, but for a young quarterback trying to prove he belongs.
He’s got the tools. He’s got the confidence.
Now we’ll see if he can deliver when it matters.
Because make no mistake: this isn’t just a roll of the dice. This is a franchise making a statement. And if Ewers doesn’t rise to the occasion, the Dolphins could be looking at another quarterback reset before long.
For now, though, it’s Quinn Ewers’ show in Miami. Let’s see what the rookie’s got.