After a disappointing 7-10 season for the Miami Dolphins, questions loom about the future of the team’s starting quarterback, Tua Tagovailoa, as the franchise looks ahead to the 2026 season. Despite hopes to replicate the offensive success from 2022 and 2023 with Tagovailoa leading the offense, his performance deteriorated throughout 2024 and took an even sharper decline in 2025, culminating in being benched after a Week 15 loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers on Monday Night Football. This setback has sparked speculation that his tenure as the Dolphins’ starter could be ending.
Dan Marino, the Dolphins’ franchise legend and current special advisor, spoke about the situation during an appearance on Mad Dog Sports Radio with Adam Schein. Reflecting on Tagovailoa’s role, Marino said,
I think he was excellent. He really was. He is an excellent guy, a human being. I think he is still on the roster. You just don’t know right now. I think the new staff is coming, and they have to evaluate everything all at one time, and as time goes on this will all play itself out. But right now, Tua is with us, he’s one of our quarterbacks and that’s the way it’s going to be.
Marino also highlighted the inevitability of competition for the quarterback position moving forward, stating,
You have to have competition at that position, and I think that is probably where the Dolphins have to go.
When asked about potential additions such as free agent Malik Willis joining the competition, Marino maintained a cautious stance, saying,
I’m not in that position to say if it’s going to be free agency or the guys that we have or whatever that may be.
Assessing the Dolphins’ Quarterback Prospects Moving into 2026
The 2026 Dolphins quarterback remains a key uncertainty as the team prepares for the offseason. Should Miami decide to move on from Tagovailoa, it would mark the first change in the starting role since 2020. That year, veteran Ryan Fitzpatrick won the starting job in a competition against Tagovailoa, with the team opting for experience over youth at the time.
A major obstacle to moving away from Tagovailoa is his sizeable $56 million salary cap hit projected for the 2026 season. Given his recent injuries and performance struggles, other NFL teams may be hesitant to absorb that contract unless compensated with draft picks or other assets. Malik Willis, a free agent formerly with the Green Bay Packers, has emerged as a possible target. Packers general manager’s recent comments suggest Willis is likely to leave Green Bay in pursuit of a starting opportunity elsewhere.
Both Miami’s current general manager and head coach are former Packers employees, which could facilitate a reunion with Willis if contract terms align. This connection adds an intriguing layer to the quarterback competition ahead, intensifying questions about Tagovailoa’s Dolphins future and the franchise’s direction.
Implications for the Dolphins and Their Quarterback Legacy
Tua Tagovailoa’s potential departure would mark a significant turning point for the Dolphins after several seasons anchored by his presence. While his recent struggles have raised doubts, the respect Dan Marino expresses suggests that Tagovailoa is still valued within the organization. Marino’s long-term involvement with the team and his history working with Tagovailoa add weight to his comments and indicate that any decisions will involve careful evaluation by the new staff.
The coming offseason likely will feature intense evaluations and possible roster moves that will define the Dolphins’ quarterback room and offensive identity for years to come. The outcome of these decisions could shape whether Miami returns to playoff contention or undergoes a rebuilding phase, underscoring the critical nature of the quarterback position for the franchise’s future trajectory.
"You have to have competition at that position, and I think that's probably where the Dolphins have to go." #Dolphins Hall of Famer @DanMarino talks to @AdamSchein about the future of the QB position in Miami & what's next for Tua ⤵️ pic.twitter.com/jp3YApNGfx
— Mad Dog Sports Radio (@MadDogRadio) February 6, 2026
