"Lot of change going on": NFL insider fuels Tyreek Hill exit talks as Tua Tagovailoa gets benched after Dolphins' elimination from playoff picture

The Miami Dolphins announced on Wednesday that they were benching quarterback Tua Tagovailoa after being eliminated from the playoff picture. Not long after the Dolphins confirmed Tagovailoa would be benched, wideout Tyreek Hill sparked speculation about his future with the team. Hill, who suffered a season-ending knee injury in Week 4 against the New York Jets, tweeted a GIF of someone disappearing, while adding a peace sign emoji as the caption.

NFL insider Josina Anderson caught wind of Hill's cryptic tweet, she sparked rumors that the wideout might leave Miami.

"Lot of change going on in Miami. Change that has been inevitable. #Dolphins," Anderson tweeted on Wednesday.

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Hill was traded to the Dolphins in March 2022, after playing six seasons with the Kansas City Chiefs. Since then, his production has largely depended on Tagovailoa's health.

Earlier this offseason, Hill hinted that he wanted to leave Miami, which led to speculation around his future. The WR was also stripped as one of the Dolphins' captains in the wake of his cryptic offseason social media activity. Nonetheless, Hill apologized for his actions, and the team smoothed things over, allowing the receiver to remain on the team.

Hill reportedly signed a 4-year, $120 million contract with the Dolphins in 2022, which was restructured in 2024 to add $90 million over three years (through 2026).

However, with Tagovailoa set to be benched, Hill has once again cast doubt around his future in Miami.

Quinn Ewers to replace Tua Tagovailoa as Dolphins QB1 in Week 16 vs. Cincinnati Bengals

NFL: Miami Dolphins QB Tua Tagovailoa - Source: Imagn

The Dolphins confirmed that rookie Quinn Ewers will replace Tua Tagovailoa as the team's QB1 for their Week 16 game against the Cincinnati Bengals on Sunday.

Tagovailoa, who signed a four-year, $212.4 million extension with the Dolphins in July 2024, has struggled to find his rhythm this season. The QB has posted 2,660 passing yards (67.7% completion rate) with 20 touchdowns and a career-high 15 interceptions.

In Miami's blowout loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers on Monday night, Tagovailoa had 65 passing yards with an interception and two drive-killing sacks through three quarters. He finished with 22 of 28 completed passes for 253 yards with two touchdowns and an interception, but his TD passes came a little too late for Miami to turn things around.

Edited by Arnold