Honestly, if you took a nap at the end of the 2024 season and just woke up today in January 2026, the Miami Dolphins quarterback room would look like a fever dream. You probably remember the days when Tua Tagovailoa was the undisputed face of the franchise, fresh off a massive $212 million extension. That feels like a lifetime ago.
Right now, the answer to who's the quarterback for the miami dolphins is surprisingly messy.
The official depth chart currently lists rookie Quinn Ewers as the starter, but that tells about 10% of the story. Tua Tagovailoa is technically still on the roster, but he’s basically a ghost in the building. After a disastrous 2025 campaign that saw him benched in December, the team is in a total stalemate with their former star. It's a "divorce in all but name" situation that has the entire NFL talking.
The Quinn Ewers Era Begins (Sorta)
Quinn Ewers, the former Texas standout, took over the reins late in the 2025 season. He didn't exactly set the world on fire—his play was uneven, to put it mildly—but he’s the guy Mike McDaniel is currently rolling with. The Dolphins took a flyer on him, and now he's the one taking the first-team snaps while the front office tries to figure out how to navigate the financial nuclear winter that is Tua’s contract.
It’s wild.
🔗 Read more: Texas vs Oklahoma Football Game: Why the Red River Rivalry is Getting Even Weirder
One day you're the highest-paid guy in team history; the next, you're standing on the sidelines watching a rookie try to figure out a pre-snap read. Ewers has the "it" factor in terms of arm talent, but the consistency isn't there yet. He’s the starter for now, but nobody in Miami is comfortable calling him the long-term solution just yet.
Why Who's the Quarterback for the Miami Dolphins is Such a Mess Right Now
To understand why this is so complicated, you have to look at the money. NFL contracts are basically puzzles designed by madmen. When Miami extended Tua, they locked themselves into a deal that is nearly impossible to escape.
Cutting Tua Tagovailoa right now would trigger a dead-cap hit of roughly $99 million. That’s not a typo. $99 million of "dead money" would essentially prevent the Dolphins from fielding a competitive team for the next two years. Because of this, Tua is still technically a Miami Dolphin, even though he and the team are clearly done with each other.
The Backup Situation
Behind Ewers, the roster gets even more interesting. You've got Zach Wilson sitting in the QB2/QB3 slot. Yes, that Zach Wilson. He’s transitioned into a journeyman backup role, providing a veteran (if somewhat scarred) presence in the room.
💡 You might also like: How to watch vikings game online free without the usual headache
- Quinn Ewers: Current starter, high ceiling, massive learning curve.
- Zach Wilson: Experienced backup, reclamation project.
- Tua Tagovailoa: The $54 million man in limbo.
- Cam Miller: The rookie out of North Dakota State fighting for a practice squad or depth spot.
There’s also a ton of smoke around a potential trade for Tanner McKee from the Eagles. Reports from analysts like Benjamin Solak suggest Miami might swap a mid-round pick for McKee to add more stability to the room.
What Tua Tagovailoa Says About It
Tua hasn't been silent. In a recent media availability, he was asked about the possibility of a "fresh start" elsewhere in 2026. His response? "That would be dope. I would be good with it."
That’s basically the NFL equivalent of a "it's not me, it's you" breakup text. He’s ready to go. The team is ready for him to go. But until someone is willing to trade for that massive contract, or until Miami decides to eat the biggest cap hit in league history, the miami dolphins quarterback situation remains a three-headed headache.
Looking Toward the 2026 Season
The 2026 offseason is going to be the most pivotal stretch in recent Dolphins history. A new GM is likely coming in to clean up the mess. They’re looking at a roster that has talent—Jaylen Waddle is still a monster out there—but is completely hamstrung by the signal-caller drama.
📖 Related: Liechtenstein National Football Team: Why Their Struggles are Different Than You Think
Some fans are holding out hope for a blockbuster trade. There are rumors of a potential swap involving Kyler Murray, which would be a massive "reset" for both franchises. But Murray has his own giant contract. It's like trying to trade one mountain for another.
If you’re looking for a simple answer, there isn't one. Quinn Ewers is the guy under center for the moment. Tua is the guy on the books. And the fans? They’re just hoping for a game where they don’t have to check the salary cap standings more often than the box score.
Your Next Steps for Following the Fins
If you want to stay on top of this saga as the 2026 league year officially kicks off in March, here is what you should be watching:
- The March 15th Deadline: Keep a close eye on this date. A portion of Tua’s 2027 salary becomes guaranteed then. If a move isn't made by mid-March, he’s likely staying on the roster in some capacity.
- Pre-Draft Trade Rumors: Watch for news involving Tanner McKee or other veteran backups. If Miami brings in a vet, it’s a clear sign they don't fully trust Ewers to lead the charge in 2026.
- The Salary Cap Tracker: Use sites like OverTheCap to see how Miami handles other veterans like Tyreek Hill. Their moves with other stars will tell you exactly how much "dead money" they are willing to stomach to move on from the current QB situation.
The quarterback position in Miami isn't just a football role anymore; it's a financial crisis management project. Buckle up, because the next few months are going to be wild.