Tua Tagovailoa Released by Miami Dolphins, Marking a New Era
Tua Tagovailoa will be released by the Miami Dolphins after the start of the new league year, a decision that carries significant financial implications for the franchise. The Dolphins will incur an NFL-record $99 million in dead money against the salary cap due to Tagovailoa’s release, a move that reflects both the team’s strategic shift and the challenges faced during his tenure.
Tagovailoa, who was selected fifth overall in the 2020 NFL Draft, has been the starting quarterback for the Dolphins since then. Over his six seasons with the team, he led them to a 44-32 record, including one playoff appearance in which the Dolphins lost in the 2023 wild-card round. His performance has been a mix of highs and lows, highlighted by a career-high 15 interceptions thrown in the 2025 season.
Despite leading the NFL in passing yards in 2023 with 4,624 yards and playing all 18 games that season, Tagovailoa’s career has been marred by injuries. He missed a career-high six games in 2024, raising concerns about his long-term viability as the team’s franchise quarterback. This inconsistency ultimately contributed to the Dolphins’ decision to move in a new direction.
Jon-Eric Sullivan, the Dolphins’ general manager, expressed gratitude for Tagovailoa’s contributions both on and off the field during his time with the team. “On behalf of the Miami Dolphins, I expressed our gratitude for his many contributions, both on the field and in the community, during his six seasons in Miami,” Sullivan stated. This acknowledgment underscores the impact Tagovailoa had on the organization, despite the challenges faced in recent years.
As the Dolphins prepare to release Tagovailoa, they are also looking ahead to the upcoming NFL draft, where they are likely to select a new quarterback. Currently, Quinn Ewers is the most experienced quarterback remaining on the Dolphins’ roster, but the team’s future strategy remains uncertain as they seek to establish a strong foundation for sustained success.
Furthermore, the financial ramifications of Tagovailoa’s release will be felt in the coming years, with a $67 million dead hit against the salary cap in 2026 and an additional $31.8 million in 2027. These figures highlight the significant cost of the decision, as the Dolphins aim to infuse competition across their roster.
Details remain unconfirmed regarding the exact timeline for Tagovailoa’s release and the potential candidates the Dolphins may target in the draft. As the team navigates this transition, the focus will be on building a competitive roster that can contend in the future.
