Miami Dolphins will replace quarterback Tua Tagovailoa and start rookie Quinn Evers on Sunday against the Cincinnati Bengals, head coach Mike McDaniel announced Wednesday.
The Dolphins (6-8), eliminated from postseason play, signed Tagovailoa to a four-year, $212 million extension in July 2024 after he took over the team. NFL in passing yards in 2023 – 4,624.
But amid a disappointing season, McDaniel hinted Tuesday that changes could be coming after Monday night's 28-15 loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers. “The quarterback's play last night wasn't good enough,” McDaniel said Tuesday. “So everything is on the table for me.”
He announced Wednesday that Evers will get his first career NFL start against the Bengals (4-10). “The solution is complex, but simple,” McDaniel said.
“Simply put, I think Quinn gives this team the best chance to win. Obviously our goal is to win the next three games, but specifically – as I told the players – we're focused on beating the Bengals, so that's the motivation.”
“Zach will support him, and Tua will be the third third.”
When asked what he thought about Tua being the backup quarterback, McDaniel responded, “I think it was the best decision for all parties involved: Quinn, Zach and Tua.”
However, McDaniel didn't stop there. “All three defenders… I think they understood that my intention and motivation is to do the best for the team.
“Starting with Tua, it wasn't easy for him to hear that. It was a difficult conversation, but I also think he demonstrated what makes him a captain and a leader on this team. He understood what that meant for his contribution to the team and how he was going to help Quinn prepare for his first start.”
Tagovailoa, 27, completed 6 of 10 passes for 65 yards while throwing his NFL-leading 15th interception through the first three quarters of Monday's game. He finished 22 of 28 for 253 yards with a pair of late touchdowns to tight end Darren Waller.
Tagovailoa has thrown for 2,660 yards and 20 touchdowns this season. More changes are expected, and the Dolphins didn't wait to cut one cornerback.
Veteran pass rusher Matthew Judon, who signed a one-year, $3 million deal with the Dolphins before the season, was waived Wednesday. Judon, a four-time Pro Bowl player, appeared in 13 games for Miami. The 33-year-old had no sacks and was credited with just nine pressures this season by Pro Football Focus, who ranked in the bottom five of 112 outside linebackers rated by the site.
The Dolphins acquired Tagovailoa with the No. 5 overall pick in the 2020 NFL Draft. Evers was a seventh-round draft pick in 2025 out of Texas.
“Quinn, his character, understanding that this is uncharted territory for a rookie, but his relationships with his teammates and motivation,” McDaniel added. “I think our team with him at quarterback gives us the best opportunity to beat the Bengals.”
Evers, 22, played his only NFL game Oct. 19 in mop-up duty in a 31-6 loss to Cleveland. He was five of eight passing for 53 yards.
