Quinn Ewers was once projected to be a top NFL Draft pick. However, following the 2024 season, it became clear that he was not viewed as highly as once expected.
Ewers fell to the seventh round, where the Miami Dolphins selected him with the No. 231 pick. Due to his unexpected draft slide, some speculated that Ewers might attempt to return to college football for another season.
Ewers Will Not Attempt to Return to College Football
“Per a source with knowledge of the situation, Ewers will not be attempting to return to college football for another season,” reported Mike Florio of Pro Football Talk.
“There’s no guarantee he could return to college football,” Florio added. “He’d have to hire a lawyer and challenge the rule that eliminates remaining eligibility for any player who enters the draft. While it seems to be the kind of antitrust violation that has gutted the NCAA rulebook, it wouldn’t be a slam dunk. And the Dolphins might not be thrilled if he waits to sign his rookie deal until the litigation is resolved.”
In 2024, Ewers completed 65.8% of his passes for 3,472 yards, 31 touchdowns, and 12 interceptions. His touchdown and interception totals both led the SEC, as Texas took the good with the bad from Ewers throughout the season.
While Florio noted that Ewers could attempt a legal route back to college football, it remains highly uncertain. Many have speculated about this possibility because of the significant financial impact of his early draft entry.
“He left at least $4 million on the table by entering the draft and not transferring to Miami,” Florio said. “He could have made, we’re told, up to $8 million. Instead, Ewers will receive a slotted contract as the 231st pick. The player selected in that spot a year ago, Patriots tight end Jaheim Bell, signed a four-year, $4.126 million deal, including a $108,740 signing bonus.”
Where Ewers Stands in Miami
Although Ewers won’t start in Miami, his landing spot provides a realistic opportunity for playing time. Tua Tagovailoa remains the Dolphins’ starting quarterback but has struggled with injuries since entering the NFL. He was limited to just 11 games in 2024 due to a concussion and has missed time in previous seasons with additional concussions and a rib injury.
Tagovailoa’s injury in 2024 was devastating for Miami, leading to subpar performances from backup quarterbacks Skylar Thompson and Tyler Huntley. The Dolphins finished the season with an 8-9 record and missed the playoffs.
Miami prioritized the backup quarterback position this offseason, signing former first-round pick Zach Wilson to a one-year, fully guaranteed $6 million contract, which also includes performance incentives.
While Wilson is expected to serve as the primary backup, his one-year deal leaves the door wide open in Miami. Ewers could earn the backup role if he impresses during training camp and the preseason.
After tumbling down draft boards, Ewers will likely have a chip on his shoulder. If he can channel that motivation, he has a real chance to prove his doubters wrong, win the backup job, and seize any future opportunity to advance his professional career.