Dolphins Weigh Options for Tua Tagovailoa
The Miami Dolphins are in a bit of a bind with Tua Tagovailoa. After his underwhelming performances over the past couple of years and the recent firing of Mike McDaniel, there’s a real sense of uncertainty surrounding the veteran quarterback’s future in Miami.
One possible, and perhaps even ideal, route for the Dolphins would be to trade Tagovailoa. If they can’t find a suitable replacement, they might just keep him around instead.
According to sources, the team would prefer not to release him, which would take a significant hit on their cap space. NFL Network insider Ian Rapoport mentioned it’s a strong possibility Tua won’t be in Miami much longer. Trading him, however, might complicate things given his current contract situation.
Tagovailoa has three years left on his hefty four-year contract worth $212.4 million, but it’s doubtful he’ll be able to see it through. The Dolphins chose to bench him at season’s end in favor of a rookie, Quinn Ewers, which he noted might allow him a fresh start somewhere else.
He expressed a nonchalant attitude about the situation, suggesting he’s open to changes. With a new front office and coaching setup under general manager John-Eric Sullivan and head coach Jeff Hafley, decisions will need to be made soon regarding his status.
Tagovailoa’s cap hit for the coming year is expected to be $56.3 million, a steep price considering last season’s performance where he totaled 20 touchdowns but also 15 interceptions. This kind of financial burden complicates his attractiveness for potential trade partners.
Miami could save a decent amount by trading him—up to $11.1 million before June 1 and $42.9 million afterward—but the reluctance to take on his contract might limit options. It’s worth pondering whether a team would make a reckless move in a trade, but the odds don’t seem favorable right now.
If trading him doesn’t pan out, the Dolphins face a choice: either cut him loose or keep him around. Interestingly, a source indicated that the team is contemplating retaining him, though usually, when players express a willingness to be traded, it signals a wrap on their time with the team.
Releasing him before June 1 would result in a staggering dead cap hit of $99.2 million, while waiting until after would spread that figure out over the next two years. This strategic planning could influence Miami’s fate in the upcoming 2027 NFL Draft, especially with high-profile quarterbacks like Arch Manning on the horizon.
Rapoport further noted that the Dolphins plan to sign another quarterback this offseason, speculating about options like Malik Willis from Green Bay, but whether they’re looking for a backup or a starter remains uncertain.
