Who is Dolphins' backup QB? Tua Tagovailoa struggles raise contract concerns in Miami

It's a rocky time for the Miami Dolphins. Week one raised more questions than answers after Tua Tagovailoa threw for 114 yards and two interceptions in a drubbing to the Indianapolis Colts. 

The Dolphins were almost held scoreless until a garbage time touchdown set the final score at 33-8.

After Tua's disappointing performance and the trade rumors surrounding Tyreek Hill it's possible if Miami continues to struggle they'll look to their backup quarterback. 

Who is Dolphins' backup QB? 

Miami has two quarterbacks backing up Tua: Zach Wilson and Quinn Ewers. 

Wilson signed a one-year deal in the offseason and is the second-string QB on the official depth chart. Ewers is a rookie drafted in the 7th round out of Texas and serves as the third-stringer. 

Wilson saw some action in the waning minutes of Sunday's blowout, going 5-for-8 with 32 yards through the air. 

He was drafted second overall in 2021 by the New York Jets where he spent three seasons before moving on to Miami

🎥 Zach Wilson on Tua Tagovailoa and his development under Mike McDaniel: "You've seen what the ability to get people that believe in you and a staff that makes everything else around him better... he's played at an extremely high level." (@MiamiDolphins) #GoFins pic.twitter.com/vGvGXy8Coc

Tua Tagovailoa contract concerns?

Tua Tagovailoa signed a four-year, $212.4 million extension with the Dolphins last summer. He's under contract through 2028. 

After his three-turnover outing against the Colts the question is if Tua is worth the money he's commanding. 

Miami has zero playoff wins with him under center and the offense this season looks to be a far cry from 2023 when he threw for 4,600 yards and 29 touchdowns. 

Laiatu Latu picks off Tua Tagovailoa down the middle 🚫pic.twitter.com/GSr00NAnQc

If he continues to underperform, Miami could cut him in 2027 and take on a $34 million cap hit according to Spotrac.

That means that this season and next are crucial for Tua to prove he can still perform at a high level. With Tyreek Hill and Jaylen Waddle getting older it's now or never for the Dolphins' offense. 

If he can't answer the call, Tua could be headed to the sidelines for good.

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