Tua Tagovailoa Released by Miami Dolphins Amid Record Dead Money
Tua Tagovailoa’s impending release from the Miami Dolphins marks a significant shift for the franchise, as it will incur an NFL-record $99 million in dead money against the salary cap. This decision underscores the team’s desire to move in a new direction at the quarterback position after a challenging season for the player.
Tagovailoa has been the starting quarterback for the Dolphins since being selected fifth overall in the 2020 NFL Draft. Over his six seasons with the team, he led them to a 44-32 record and made one playoff appearance, which ended in a loss during the 2023 wild-card round. Despite showing promise, his performance in recent years raised concerns, particularly after he threw a career-high 15 interceptions in the 2025 season.
In 2023, Tagovailoa had a standout year, leading the NFL in passing yards with 4,624 yards and playing all 18 games. However, the 2024 season was marred by injuries, as he missed a career-high six games. This inconsistency has contributed to the Dolphins’ decision to seek a new quarterback, with Quinn Ewers currently being the most experienced option remaining on the roster.
Jon-Eric Sullivan, the Dolphins’ decision-maker, expressed gratitude for Tagovailoa’s contributions both on and off the field during his tenure. “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 also emphasized the team’s focus on establishing a strong foundation and infusing competition across the roster moving forward.
The Dolphins’ decision comes after months of public scrutiny regarding Tagovailoa’s future with the team, especially after he was benched for the final three games of the 2025 season. Sullivan informed Tagovailoa and his representation about the team’s plans, stating, “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.”
As the Dolphins prepare for this transition, they will officially release Tagovailoa after the start of the new league year. The financial implications of this decision are significant, with a $67 million dead hit against the salary cap in 2026 and $31.8 million in 2027. This unprecedented financial burden reflects the challenges of managing a roster in a competitive league.
Looking ahead, the Dolphins are expected to draft a quarterback in the upcoming draft, signaling a new chapter for the franchise. While the future remains uncertain, the team is committed to building a sustained winner. Details remain unconfirmed regarding the specific strategies they will employ in the draft and how they plan to address the quarterback position moving forward.