Dolphins Release Tua

The Miami Dolphins decided to release quarterback Tua Tagovailoa, ending his six-season tenure with the team and triggering the largest dead-cap charge in NFL history. Because of the structure of his contract extension signed in 2024, the move will cost Miami roughly $99 million in dead money, which will be split across two seasons—about $67.4 million against the salary cap in 2026 and $31.8 million in 2027.

Tagovailoa was originally selected fifth overall in the 2020 NFL Draft and showed flashes of high-level play during his time in Miami, including leading the league in passer rating in 2022 and passing yards in 2023. However, his tenure was marked by injuries—particularly multiple concussions—and inconsistent performance, and the team never advanced beyond the first round of the playoffs during his time as the starting quarterback.

The decision reflects a major shift in direction for the franchise as it begins a broader roster reset despite the enormous financial cost of moving on from its former franchise quarterback. Miami had explored trade options but ultimately chose release, absorbing the cap hit in order to gain long-term financial flexibility and move forward with a different quarterback situation. Tagovailoa now becomes a free agent and could draw interest from quarterback-needy teams looking for a low-risk veteran option.