Miami Dolphins head coach Mike McDaniel offered some honest thoughts on whether Quinn Ewers can be the team's starter in 2026.
The Miami Dolphins chose to make a major quarterback change, benching Tua Tagovailoa in favor of rookie Quinn Ewers. Considering the team missing out on the playoffs, the change made a lot more sense in the grand scheme of things.
The issue is Ewers' three starts is only a small sample size that may or may not aid him in landing the Dolphins' starting quarterback job in 2026. Head coach Mike McDaniel spoke on the end of the season for the rookie, and what could be ahead for him in 2026.
Thus far through two full starts and some small action earlier in the season, Ewers has thrown 485 yards, two touchdowns, and two interceptions.
Both interceptions came during his first start in Week 16 against the Cincinnati Bengals. Ewers did throw for 260 yards, but most of that yardage came during garbage time, so it wasn't a true look at his skill set.
Things were certainly different in Week 17, as Ewers tossed two touchdowns and 172 yards in his first career win against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
After arguing about who gets the game ball from his 63-yard touchdown bomb to Theo Wease Jr., Ewers revealed that his goal for these three starts is to continue to learn.
Continue to learn and show strides in play could benefit Ewers, but the 2026 season could look very different for the Dolphins. A new general manager will be put in place, and there is not telling if McDaniel will be back as head coach.
That said, he offered some thoughts on Ewers' upcoming season finale and the outlook on his chances to be a starter in the league and for the Dolphins in 2026.
"I think he has the ability to lead this team with coordinating cohesive play from his teammates. I think he can lead this team to victory with the opponent in front of us. I think his game continues to grow. It's 2-for-2, and we are trying to see 3-for-3. I think everybody will have essentially 33 percent more information on how he plays the position," McDaniel said.
McDaniels's comments were short, but very telling. He is handling the situation like most are. Ewers will get a final start, but that is only 33 percent more information.
The Dolphins do not have a full season with which to determine if Ewers can be a starter. It would be shocking if the team does not bring in another quarterback, assuming Tagovailoa is released or traded.
Even if Tagovailoa stays to compete for the starting role, Ewers would presumably still get a shot to compete as well.
Thus far, the rookie has shown some good ball-handling skills, especially in Week 17. If he can make strides in training camp and preseason, he may very well be given the chance to be the Dolphins' starter in 2026.