Miami Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa leads the league with 11 interceptions and has not looked comfortable running the offense for much of the season. The offensive line has not done him any favors,
allowing a ton of pressure to get into his face, and even when the opposing defense does not break through, Tagovailoa’s internal clock has him rushing through his progressions and forcing passes he should not be making.
It has been frustrating to watch. While it is not the only ailment for a Dolphins team sitting at 2-7 on the season, it is a big part of the problem. There are a lot of things that need to change with Miami, but it seems a quarterback change is at least one of the things that could be considered.
Dolphins considering quarterback change?
On Sunday, NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport made an appearance on NFL Game Day Morning to talk about the Dolphins, and he laid out that Tagovailoa is playing for his job now, with the possibility the team could bench him and move on to either of their backup quarterbacks, Zach Wilson or Quinn Ewers.
“First, with starting quarterback Tua Tagovailoa, it is my understanding there is a chance now that the Dolphins replace him as quarterback,” Rapoport said as he started the segment. “He is now playing to keep his job. He leads the league with 11 interceptions. If this continues, I would not be surprised later in the season if they go to one of his backups, or both of his backups, Zach Wilson and Quinn Ewers, the impressive rookie.”
Tagovailoa is clearly the best quarterback on Miami’s depth chart, but the interceptions are a significant issue and he has to clean it up immediately. His 11 interceptions are the second most he has thrown in a season in his career, and the league is only at the halfway point of the schedule. While Tagovailoa likely gives Miami the best chance to win, if he is throwing picks and not winning, the team may as well check out what they have with Ewers. The change does not need to happen now, but it definitely has to be an option in the near future if Tagovailoa’s play does not improve.
Mike McDaniel returning for 2026?
Rapoport continued, turning his attention to head coach Mike McDaniel. He explained, “Mike McDaniel’s job is considered safe, for the foreseeable future. The Dolphins believe in McDaniel, want him to continue to be the head coach for now and through the next year and moving forward. He’s just got to win, keep the team playing for him. If that does not happen, the Dolphins could eventually make a change.”
Reports over the last few weeks have indicated Dolphins owner Stephen Ross still trusts McDaniel and supports him in getting the Dolphins fixed. There is the possibility that McDaniel returns for 2026 if he is able to show some improvement over the final half of the year.
Jaylen Waddle trade a possibility?
Finally, Rapoport turned to the trade deadline, and possibly a big part of why Chris Grier is no longer the team’s general manager, with Champ Kelly taking over as the interim GM. “And then the trade deadline is coming up in a couple of days,” Rapoport said. “Chris Grier, when he was GM, was kind of reluctant to make moves. My understanding is interim general manager Champ Kelly is much more willing. Jaylen Waddle is a player they now could consider dealing, but it would take a huge offer to make it happen.”
Adding to the Waddle trade possibility, ESPN’s Adam Schefter released a series of posts on X on Sunday morning:
Trading Waddle would be a huge move for the Dolphins, gutting their wide receiver corps for the remainder of the year as well as setting it up for a complete rebuild in 2026. Wide receiver Tyreek Hill is out for the season with a dislocated knee, and he likely is not back next season without a major contract rework. Miami would not have a projected number one receiver for 2026 if they trade Waddle and would likely have to use some part of the trade package to add a top receiving threat.
If a team comes with a package like the Houston Texans did for tackle Laremy Tunsil in 2019,including multiple first-round picks, the Dolphins would likely have to take it, but it needs to be an incredible offer.
You can check out the full Rapoport segment here:
