Sportsnaut
The Miami Dolphins might need to find a new quarterback for the 2026 NFL season. Following the Week 15 loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers, the Dolphins benched Tua Tagovailoa in favor of Quinn Ewers. In 14 games, Tagovailoa threw for 2,660 yards, 20 touchdowns, and 15 interceptions.
The 27-year-old quarterback has regressed in 2025, already throwing the most interceptions of his career. The Dolphins would incur a major dead cap hit if they released Tagovailoa, but it appears he is no longer a part of the team’s plans moving forward. In fact, the Dolphins could spread out Tagovailoa’s dead cap over the next two seasons to lessen the financial burden.
Therefore, the Dolphins are likely to have a new starting quarterback in 2026. Below, we dive into five quarterback options for Miami to replace Tagovailoa next season.
Kyler Murray could be in the same boat as Tagovailoa. The Arizona Cardinals might move on from Murray this offseason, allowing a team like the Dolphins to acquire him in a trade. This might be one of the more difficult options, but he would benefit from a change of scenery. Murray would give the Dolphins a starting quarterback who has had previous flashes of greatness.
Fernando Mendoza, the 2025 Heisman Award winner, will likely be off the board by the time Miami makes its selection in the 2026 NFL Draft. However, that could change if the team trades up. If the Dolphins are confident in Mendoza’s future as an NFL quarterback, they could trade multiple first-round picks to move up in the draft. The Indiana Hoosier would solidify Miami’s plans at quarterback moving forward.
Mac Jones impressed while filling in for Brock Purdy on the San Francisco 49ers. The Dolphins would have to trade for Jones, but it could be worth the price. The Dolphins and 49ers have a similar offensive scheme, giving the former first-round pick a sense of familiarity. Jones would be a cheap financial option at quarterback, while giving Miami a shot at making the playoffs.
Instead of searching on the market, the Dolphins might already have their next quarterback. Ewers is replacing Tagovailoa in Week 16, and if he impresses the organization, it could lead to a long-term solution at quarterback. The seventh-round pick will have to show he is capable of being a starting quarterback in the NFL, but he has three weeks to make his case.
If all else fails, Jameis Winston could air the ball out in Miami. Winston is the backup for the New York Giants and isn’t afraid to sling the football. The Giants quarterback has a great personality and would become a leader in the locker room. The Dolphins would have to trade for Winston, but he still has the talent to be a starting quarterback in the NFL.
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