The Herd with Colin Cowherd 3 & Out - Tua BENCHED by the Dolphins, Will J.J. being the future starter in Minnesota, How important is elite QB play
Dec 18, 2025
The Dolphins have benched Tua, likely ending his run with the team. Concerns about his concussion history and future trade value arise. A look at the franchise's regret over choosing Tua over Justin Herbert paints a sobering picture. John Middlekauff discusses the risk of large QB contracts and emphasizes the importance of elite quarterback play in the playoffs. He also speculates on JJ McCarthy's potential as a starter in Minnesota and evaluates Coach of the Year candidates, all while engaging with listener questions.
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Benching A Paid QB Is Often Terminal
- John Middlekoff says benching a highly paid QB usually ends their tenure with that team and destroys trade value.
- He views the Dolphins benching of Tua as likely terminal for Tua's Miami career and a massive cap headache for the club.
Quarterback Contracts Are Like Marriage
- John compares quarterback contracts to marriage and warns teams against rushing big guarantees.
- He argues teams often regret early mega-deals and should wait until they're certain before committing huge money.
Don't Rush Into Mega QB Deals
- Do not rush into huge guaranteed QB deals if you have reservations about the player.
- Wait for clearer evidence before committing major cap resources to a quarterback.