Dolphins HC Mike McDaniel makes eye-opening comment about QB Tua Tagovailoa's status: 'Everything is on the table'

The Miami Dolphins have no simple solution for their quarterback problem, but that may not stop head coach Mike McDaniel from making a shocking change. 

Following a 28-15 loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers (8-6) on "Monday Night Football," McDaniel said he would study the tape before determining whether to bench starting QB Tua Tagovailoa. On Tuesday, the coach hinted he's considering doing it even if it has major financial implications for Miami. 

Mike McDaniel discusses potential Tua Tagovailoa benching 

"The quarterback play last night was not good enough," McDaniel said Tuesday (h/t Field Level Media). "So for me, everything is on the table." 

McDaniel added he will continue to assess who gives the Dolphins (6-8) their best chance to win a Week 16 home game against the Cincinnati Bengals (4-10) and expects to name a starter on Wednesday. The Dolphins' backup QBs are 2021 first-round pick Zach Wilson and rookie Quinn Ewers, a seventh-round pick out of Texas. Neither has started this season.

Benching Tagovailoa would signal he and the Dolphins are heading for a divorce this offseason. Moving on from the QB would be expensive. Spotrac estimates that releasing the one-time Pro Bowler would result in a record-breaking $99.2M cap hit for the Dolphins.   

In March 2024, the Denver Broncos released former QB Russell Wilson, incurring an NFL-record $85M in dead cap. Denver designated the transaction with a post-June 1 tag to spread the cost over two years, softening the financial blow. Miami would likely do the same. 

The Dolphins could place Tagovailoa on the trade block, but the declining, oft-injured QB would attract few suitors. The 2020 first-round pick has had four documented concussions in his career. This season, he has tossed a league-leading 15 interceptions and posted a career-low 36.7 QBR, below the league average.

Against Pittsburgh, Tagovailoa finished 22-of-28 passing for 253 yards, two TDs and one interception. However, his decision-making often left ESPN analyst/former Dallas Cowboys QB Troy Aikman baffled.