MIAMI, Dec. 16 (UPI) — The Miami Dolphins will consider replacing starting quarterback Tua Tagovailoa, coach Mike McDaniel said Tuesday.
Tagovailoa has led the Dolphins to a 6-8 record in his first 14 starts this season. Zach Wilson and Quinn Evers are the other cornerbacks on the Dolphins' roster.
Advertising
Tagovailoa completed 22 of 28 passes for 253 yards, two scores and an interception in Monday's 28-15 loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers in Pittsburgh. Through 15 weeks, he completed 67.7 percent of his throws for 2,660 yards, 20 scores and an NFL-leading 15 interceptions.
“I don't think the quarterback's play last night was good enough,” McDaniel told reporters at the Baptist Health Training Complex in Miami Gardens, Florida. – So everything is ready for me.
McDaniel said the Dolphins are planning a Week 16 matchup with the Cincinnati Bengals. During this process, the coaching staff will try to determine which quarterback gives them the best chance to win. McDaniel said he expects to make a decision by Wednesday.
Miami Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa leads the NFL with 15 interceptions. File Photo: Aaron Josefczyk/UPI
Tagovailoa, who led the NFL in passer rating in 2022, passing yards in 2023 and completion percentage in 2024, signed a four-year contract extension worth $212.4 million with the Dolphins in July. His base salary this season will be $25 million. His base salary will increase to $39 million in 2026.
Advertising
McDaniel declined to say whether team owner Stephen Ross approved Tagovailoa's potential benching or whether such a move would affect his own job status. The fourth-year head coach, who signed a contract extension in 2024, has an overall regular season record of 34-31.
Miami Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa has completed 67.7% of his throws this season. File Photo: Aaron Josefczyk/UPI
The Dolphins coach also declined to say whether Miami would move on from Tagovailoa this offseason.
“The bottom line is we have to have a certain standard in every position,” McDaniel said. “All positions are the same. No one is entitled to preferential treatment. “When there is a better option, my job is to attack it.”
Miami Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa has a 44-32 record as a starter. File photo by Larry Marano/UPI
The Dolphins (6-8) were eliminated from the playoffs with Monday's loss, which ended a four-game winning streak. They have allowed the eighth-fewest rushing yards this season.
Advertising
Miami, which had the best rushing and passing offense in the NFL just two seasons ago, ranks seventh in passing offense in 2025.
Miami Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa has thrown a total of 120 touchdown passes and 59 interceptions in his first 78 NFL starts. File photo by Larry Marano/UPI
The Dolphins will host the Bengals (4-10) on Sunday at 1:00 pm EST in Miami Gardens.
Miami Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa signed a four-year contract extension worth $212.4 million last offseason. File photo by Larry Marano/UPI
