Tua Tagovailoa identified as Patrick Mahomes’ Chiefs backup with Dolphins sending Fernando Mendoza haul

Dec 23, 2025 - 12:15

The Miami Dolphins have seen enough of the Tua Tagovailoa experience.

Head coach Mike McDaniel has benched the $212 million quarterback and handed the reins to seventh-round rookie Quinn Ewers for the rest of the season in a desperate attempt to save his own job.

Tua may have played his last snap for the Dolphins[/caption]

Whether it is McDaniel or a replacement in the hot seat, the Dolphins are likely to find a QB in April’s NFL Draft.

Pro Football Focus’ Gordon McGuinness believes Miami could go all-in and trade up for Heisman winner Fernando Mendoza with whoever owns the No. 1 pick — in this scenario, the New York Giants.

“New York Giants send No. 1 overall pick to Miami Dolphins for No. 10, No. 44, a 2027 first-round pick and a 2027 second-round pick,” he wrote.

“With Tua Tagovailoa benched ahead of the Dolphins’ Week 16 loss to the Cincinnati Bengals, it’s obvious that Miami is in the market for a new quarterback.

“In this mock draft, they get aggressive to move up for one. Mendoza recorded a 6.2% big-time throw rate and a 2.3% turnover-worthy play rate this season, which compares well with recent No. 1 overall picks Cam Ward (6.3%, 3.3%) and Caleb Williams (6.2%, 3.6%).”

Tua Tagovailoa’s next NFL team

Ewers racked up 260 passing yards on debut against the Cincinnati Bengals, but spoiled his audition with two interceptions.

He will likely remain in the room next season, but Tagovailoa — a top-five pick in 2020 — is likely to be out.

He is owed $55 million of his fully guaranteed contract next season and if released would smash the all-time record for the biggest cap hit ever taken with Miami losing $99.2 million across the next two seasons.

The current record the Denver Broncos absorbing $85 million to move on from Russell Wilson.

It is more likely that the Dolphins seek a trade partner, which would lead to a $45.2 million dead cap hit spread across 2026 and 2027.

Mahomes’ rehab will determine how aggressive the Chiefs are with his recovery[/caption]

Tua could be an effective bridge option and restore his reputation

The Cleveland Browns and New York Jets are favorites, but next in line per the bookies is an interesting proposition in the Kansas City Chiefs.

After losing Patrick Mahomes and Gardner Minshew to torn ACLs, the Chiefs are playing out a disastrous regular season with Chris Oladokun under center.

Mahomes may well miss the start of next season and head coach Andy Reid could look to bring in a bridge option who could then serve as backup.

With the Dolphins on the hook for his contract Tagovailoa would be a cut-price option with Pro Bowl pedigree.

It is easy to forget amid this season’s woes, but the former Alabama signal-caller led the NFL in passing in 2023.

Tagovailoa could end up jumping from one team suffering from an identity crisis to another as he looks to restore his credibility.

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Less than a year after coming one win from an unprecedented three-peat, the architects of the Chiefs dynasty face uncertain futures.

Mahomes suffered a serious injury, although Tom Brady managed to recover from a similar one, Travis Kelce is out of contract, and there are claims Andy Reid could retire in 2026.

“Travis Kelce could retire, though no decision has been made,” NFL.com reported. “Another roster reboot, as GM Brett Veach has executed adeptly in the past, could be afoot.

“One situation to watch: Offensive coordinator Matt Nagy chose not to sign an extension in the offseason and is set to become a free agent. Nagy will be a top head coaching candidate and could well land a job.

“If he doesn’t, Nagy could become a hot candidate for a play-calling job elsewhere. That would mean Reid needs a new OC, with several of his former assistants — including Eric Bieniemy and perhaps Giants interim HC Mike Kafka — among potential candidates.”

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