Miami Dolphins general manager Jon-Eric Sullivan was introduced today, and he broke down a sorely needed change for the organization in terms of the quarterback plan.
The Miami Dolphins officially ushered in a new era of football today during the introductory press conference for new general manager Jon-Eric Sullivan and new head coach Jeff Hafley.
Both had the opportunity to discuss a bit about what their plans are for the future of the team, which included the state of the quarterback room. While most believe that Tua Tagovailoa is headed to be cut, Sullivan did not outright state that.
In fact, he offered some details regarding the Tagovailoa situation, but outlined a plan that has been sorely needed by this organization.
Initially, Sullivan was asked about the plan for Tagovailoa, and he revealed some "coach speak" on the matter of whether Tagovailoa will be cut or be with the team in 2026.
"Huge question looming over the organization... Whether it’s Tua or anyone else, it’s unfair to talk about anything specific before I talk to the player myself... We will figure that out. But I can’t give you that answer today," Sullivan said.
After Tagovailoa was benched, all signs appeared to point to him playing his last down in a Dolphins uniform. It is often difficult for a player to want to continue playing for a team that benched them for a rookie, no matter their response usually being about being a team player.
Tagovailoa was even asked if he would like a fresh start elsewhere, to which he replied, "That would be dope."
The issue with Tagovailoa is that cutting him as a post-June 1 designation will trigger a massive $99 million cap hit, spread over the next two seasons.
Cutting Tagovailoa does not help the quarterback room, as the Dolphins do not have a starter. Rookie Quinn Ewers was given a three-game audition, but that is too small a sample size to determine if he is to be behind center in 2026.
Sullivan and Hafley might also look into a free agent option, but there is no telling if that person will work out either.
Despite the multiple questions, Sullivan did state something that no general manager for the Dolphins has done in quite some time, which is to draft a quarterback until they get it right.
"If you can help it, don’t wait till you don’t have a quarterback to find one ... it starts there ... We will draft a quarterback every year, if not every other year," Sullivan said.
There is a lot of value in what Sullivan is saying here. The Dolphins have not typically drafted a quarterback in this manner.
Ewers was drafted in 2025, Skylar Thompson in 2022, Tagovailoa in 2020, Brandon Doughty in 2016, and Ryan Tannehill in 2012.
All of these quarterbacks clearly did not pan out, though Ewers has yet to be given the chance to start a full season.
Sullivan opened up about building this team through the draft and retaining players who will create a new culture. That is how the Green Bay Packers have structured their team, and it has led to continued success.
Simply put, Sullivan is hitting the nail on the head in terms of the Dolphins needing to find their true franchise quarterback, and that should have happened through multiple players being drafted at the position.
In the same manner as the Arizona Cardinals took Josh Rosen and a year later took Kyler Murray, the Dolphins need to follow the same formula until they find that person.
It could end up being Ewers at the end of the day, but Sullivan has stated the team will evaluate the position thoroughly. That includes drafting the quarterback position more often than the Dolphins have done over the last nearly 15 seasons.