The Miami Dolphins officially named rookie quarterback Quinn Ewers the starter for Sunday's Week 16 game versus the Cincinnati Bengals. The Dolphins have made the formal call to bench Tua Tagovailoa, a decision that could have ripple effects this coming offseason. Expectations should be fairly low for Ewers' debut on Sunday.
The Dolphins selected Ewers with the No. 231 selection in the seventh round of the 2025 NFL Draft. The San Antonio native was the final of 13 quarterbacks drafted in April. Ewers went from a potential first-round pick to barely getting drafted.
The former Texas Longhorns signal-caller failed to meet lofty expectations in college. Injuries and inconsistent play routinely prevented Ewers from reaching his ceiling in Austin. Ewers entered the draft with little buzz and fanfare and was nearly forced to use undrafted free agency as his pathway to the league.
Ewers had been serving as the Dolphins' third, emergency quarterback this season. The decision made by head coach Mike McDaniel to bypass backup quarterback Zach Wilson and go straight to Ewers is confusing and controversial. Wilson, who signed a one-year contract worth $6 million with the Dolphins in the offseason, expressed frustration with McDaniel's decision.
McDaniel claimed Ewers gives the Dolphins "the best chance" to win Sunday's game versus the Bengals. It's difficult to take those comments at face value. Depth charts and pecking orders exist for a reason. Wilson, a former No. 2 overall selection, is probably better prepared to lead the Dolphins.
While nobody would accuse the Dolphins of intentionally tanking, winning doesn't appear to be their top priority. At 6-8 and officially eliminated from postseason contention, perhaps McDaniel prefers to learn more about his rookie quarterback, the one with the most untapped potential on the roster. If starting Ewers leads to losing and a top-10 selection in the 2026 NFL Draft (they're currently at No. 11), so be it.
Miami Dolphins new QB1, Quinn Ewers.
— David Furones (@DavidFurones_) December 17, 2025
“It’s a dream come true for me.” pic.twitter.com/4WPwQXokl6
Ewers didn't necessarily impress throughout the preseason. He played extensively during the exhibition, barely completing 50% of his passing attempts (23-of-43, 53.5%). Ewers threw for 273 yards, two touchdowns, and zero interceptions. He also lost two fumbles, was sacked on four occasions, and made zero big-time throws versus three turnover-worthy ones, per Pro Football Focus.
If there's a glimmer of hope, it's the softness of Sunday's opponent. The Bengals have been a full-blown disaster on the defensive side of the ball. Ewers' first career start will occur against a bottom-five passing defense, as Cincinnati is allowing a 28th-ranked 245.9 passing yards per game. McDaniel will attempt to lean on De’Von Achane against an even worse run-defense unit, as the Bengals are allowing a league-worst 157.9 yards on the ground.
The Dolphins will attempt to manage Ewers by leaning on Achane against the Bengals. McDaniel is in fact-finding mode as the franchise starts preparing for a potentially tumultuous offseason. Don't hold your breath on Ewers impressing at quarterback, but there's value in giving him an opportunity.
