Tua Tagovailoa Released by Miami Dolphins Amid Record Dead Money Hit
Tua Tagovailoa will be released by the Miami Dolphins after the start of the new league year, a decision that will have significant financial implications for the team. The Dolphins will incur an NFL-record $99 million in dead money against the salary cap due to Tagovailoa’s release, a move that underscores the team’s shift in strategy at the quarterback position.
Tagovailoa, who was selected fifth overall in the 2020 draft, has been the starting quarterback for the Dolphins since his arrival. Over six seasons, he led the team to a 44-32 record and made one playoff appearance, which ended in a loss during the 2023 wild-card round. Despite his successes, including leading the NFL in passing yards in 2023 with 4,624 yards, his performance has been marred by inconsistency, notably throwing a career-high 15 interceptions in the 2025 season.
In 2024, Tagovailoa faced significant challenges, missing a career-high six games due to injury. This raised questions about his long-term viability as the team’s starting quarterback, particularly as the Dolphins look to build a more competitive roster. The decision to release him comes after months of speculation regarding his future in Miami, especially after he was benched for the final three games of the 2025 season.
Jon-Eric Sullivan, the Dolphins’ general manager, expressed gratitude for Tagovailoa’s contributions both on and off the field. “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. He further emphasized the team’s intention to infuse competition across the roster as they move forward.
Tagovailoa signed a four-year, $212.4 million extension with the Dolphins in 2024, which now adds to the financial burden of his release. The Dolphins will face a $67 million dead hit against the salary cap in 2026 and an additional $31.8 million in 2027. This substantial financial impact highlights the difficult decisions teams must make in the pursuit of success.
As the Dolphins prepare for the upcoming draft, they are expected to target a new quarterback to lead the franchise. Currently, Quinn Ewers is the most experienced quarterback remaining on the Dolphins’ roster, but the team is likely to seek additional options to ensure a competitive future.
Details remain unconfirmed regarding the exact timeline for Tagovailoa’s release, but it is clear that the Dolphins are committed to moving in a new direction at the quarterback position. Sullivan noted, “I recently informed Tua and his representation that we are going to move in a new direction at the quarterback position and will be releasing him after the start of the new league year.” This statement marks a pivotal moment for both Tagovailoa and the Miami Dolphins as they navigate the challenges ahead.
