After five seasons as Miami Dolphins’ primary quarterback, Tua Tagovailoa was benched following a 28-15 defeat against the Pittsburgh Steelers that ended Miami’s playoff hopes. This moment, broadcast nationally on Monday Night Football, drew sharp criticism from announcer Troy Aikman, who expressed his bewilderment at the Dolphins’ offensive performance, stating,
“I’m flabbergasted by what we’ve witnessed here in this fourth quarter with the Dolphins. And now they want to call timeouts. It just is about as ridiculous a fourth quarter as I’ve seen in a long time.”
The decision to bench Tagovailoa came as former head coach Mike McDaniel felt the offense could no longer sustain a fast tempo and concluded that Tagovailoa was not the best solution for winning going forward.
This setback follows a notable contract extension the Dolphins had committed to Tagovailoa before the 2024 season, placing the team in a complicated position with his deal two seasons into its term. Despite the struggles, speculation about the quarterback’s future with the Dolphins continues, with some analysts suggesting Miami might keep Tagovailoa through 2026.
Financial Considerations Point Toward Keeping Tagovailoa
Tua Tagovailoa’s contract carries a significant $56 million salary cap hit for Miami in 2026. Releasing him before June 1 of that year would trigger a record $99 million in dead money, a burden the Dolphins are likely reluctant to absorb. The franchise faces three options: engineer a trade involving draft picks, absorb the heavy cost of releasing him, or retain Tagovailoa on the roster.
Brian Miller of FanSided’s PhinPhanatic outlines why Miami may opt to keep Tagovailoa. He highlights that releasing Tagovailoa presents a staggering financial risk, and managing a trade deal could deplete valuable assets without guaranteeing relief. He writes,
“We have to be realistic when it comes to the Dolphins’ former starting quarterback. He is expensive. The Dolphins don’t have many options. Releasing him will be an almost unabsorbable amount, and it will carry over two years against the cap. Trading him might cost money and draft picks.”
Miller also emphasizes that, despite the drawbacks, the best move might be to extend Tagovailoa’s tenure through 2026 and reconsider the situation before the 2027 season begins. He notes,
“No one wants to say it, but the best option may be to re-tape the band-aid and strip it off before the 2027 season. The difference is nearly $40 million if done as a post-June 1 release, but even without a release, Tagovailoa will count only $31.8 million in 2027, and they are washed out of the contract. They need a backup and a starter; let him compete. Maybe a team loses a QB before the start of the season, which makes a trade easier.”
Potential Risks in Retaining Tagovailoa and Team Dynamics Ahead
While financially logical, keeping Tagovailoa carries inherent risks. Miami’s new front office and coaching staff may be looking for a different starting quarterback, possibly one already identified as a potential team leader. Amid hopes for competition in training camp, Tagovailoa might still secure a starting spot due to his familiarity with the offense under offensive coordinator Bobby Slowik.
Slowik has expressed optimism about Tagovailoa’s ability to recover and perform well, stating,
“There’s stories like [Tua’s] all the time. You’re talking about people that are at the peak of their profession… he can absolutely bounce back.”
This endorsement suggests that despite recent struggles, the coaching staff recognizes Tagovailoa’s experience and potential value heading into the upcoming seasons.
With Miami facing a crossroads regarding their quarterback room, the decision on Tagovailoa’s contract future will likely balance financial realities against the search for on-field success and stability.
🎥 Bobby Slowik on if he believes Tua Tagovailoa can bounce back: "There's stories like [Tua's] all the time. You're talking about people that are at the peak of their profession… he can absolutely bounce back." (@MiamiDolphins) #PhinsUp pic.twitter.com/2TD5Xg3wPu
— FinsXtra (@FinsXtra) February 4, 2026
