During their recent four-game winning streak, the Dolphins leaned heavily on their strong rushing game, which allowed quarterback Tua Tagovailoa to throw for under 175 yards in four straight games. While this strategy worked against weaker opponents, it raised questions about the team’s passing effectiveness.
As of 2025, Tagovailoa leads the NFL with a staggering 15 interceptions. His performance stats are alarming: he ranks near the bottom for expected points added per dropback, just slightly ahead of names like Cam Ward and Geno Smith, according to Next Gen Stats. With a low total QBR, he’s struggling to find his form.
The Tua we saw during his Pro Bowl season in 2023 seems to be missing. Back then, he led the league with over 4,600 passing yards, displaying quick decision-making and precise throws. Recently, he’s often seemed out of sorts, missing key reads and facing pressure poorly. These issues have raised alarm bells about his development.
Dolphins head coach Mike McDaniel’s decision to minimize the passing game reveals his frustration with Tagovailoa’s performance. This change indicates a lack of confidence that could influence the team’s direction moving forward.
Looking ahead, questions arise about Tagovailoa’s future in Miami. If McDaniel is still coaching in 2026, can he reinstate a quarterback who was benched? The Dolphins made a significant investment by signing Tua to a four-year, $212.4 million deal in 2024. With three years left on his contract, he is due over $56 million in guaranteed money for 2026.
However, moving on from him isn’t straightforward. Cutting or trading Tagovailoa would lead to hefty financial implications — releasing him outright would incur a $99.2 million penalty against the cap. Even a delayed release would still hit them with over $67 million in 2026. Trading him could potentially lessen the damage to $45 million, but who would want a struggling quarterback with a base salary of $39 million?
In light of recent trends, around 70% of NFL fans believe that a strong quarterback is essential for team success. Social media discussions reflect this sentiment, with many calling for a reassessment of the team’s strategy. Fans are eager for change but worry about the financial burden that could come with it. Only time will tell what the Dolphins will choose to do.
For more insights on quarterback performance, see NFL’s official stats page.
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