The Miami Dolphins are moving toward parting ways with quarterback Tua Tagovailoa, a development that gained momentum after the team benched him following their Week 15 defeat to the Pittsburgh Steelers. Although the franchise has not formally announced whether Tagovailoa will remain beyond the 2025 season, reports strongly suggest that Miami is preparing to trade or release him due to his complex contract situation and recent struggles.
Despite Tagovailoa’s breakout 2023 campaign, which included leading the NFL in passing yards and earning a Pro Bowl selection, the Dolphins committed to a lengthy four-year extension worth up to $212 million ahead of the 2024 season. However, the team’s performance and Tagovailoa’s play have declined since, leaving Miami to navigate the complications posed by this expensive deal.
Trade Prospects Appear Bleak for the Dolphins
According to ESPN analyst Dan Graziano, the Dolphins are facing significant challenges in finding a trade partner willing to assume Tagovailoa’s contract.
“unlikely to find a trade partner for Tua Tagovailoa and will most likely have to pay most of Tua’s contract to find a suitor.”
The difficulty arises because many teams would prefer Tagovailoa in a backup role or as part of a competitive quarterback battle rather than as a definitive starter.
One potential destination for Tagovailoa could be the Minnesota Vikings, as they play in a dome environment that complements his playing style. Additionally, the Vikings’ offensive scheme under Kevin O’Connell shares similarities with what Mike McDaniel implemented in Miami, offering some continuity. However, the presence of Vikings defensive coordinator Brian Flores, who does not have a strong rapport with Tagovailoa, complicates this possibility.
Sports Illustrated writer Dante Collinelli shed light on Miami’s financial predicament, writing
“At this point, it seems more than likely the Dolphins will designate Tua Tagovailoa as a post-June 1 cut this offseason. That would spread his dead cap hit out across two seasons, resulting in $67 million in dead cap for 2026 and $32 million in 2027. It’s a tough pill to swallow for Miami, and it would break the previous dead-cap hit record set by the Broncos when they released Russell Wilson.”
This staggering dead cap figure underscores the financial burden Miami faces if they move forward with releasing Tagovailoa under this designation.
Exploring Miami’s Options for the Quarterback Position
While the prospect of absorbing a record-breaking dead cap hit looms large, the Dolphins can draw some hope from the Denver Broncos’ example. After releasing Russell Wilson and incurring massive dead money, the Broncos managed a swift turnaround, reaching the AFC Championship just two years later. Miami aims to replicate that kind of success by finding the right quarterback and coaching fit.
Unlike Denver’s draft-centric approach following Wilson’s departure, Miami is expected to pursue a quarterback through free agency. Malik Willis has been linked to the Dolphins during the offseason, partly because head coach Jeff Hafley worked closely with Willis during their time together in Green Bay. Willis has shown promise in limited NFL action and is familiar with a West Coast offense similar to Miami’s system, potentially easing his transition.
However, Miami’s financial commitment to Tagovailoa could limit their ability to invest in acquiring Willis or other quarterback options this offseason, creating additional hurdles in their rebuilding process.
The Road Ahead for the Dolphins and Their Quarterback Dilemma
The Dolphins’ situation with Tua Tagovailoa epitomizes the complexities teams face when managing high-value contracts that don’t translate into expected on-field success. The decision to move on from Tagovailoa will carry significant financial consequences, but Miami must balance this with the need to find a reliable quarterback to revitalize the franchise. How the Dolphins navigate contract negotiations, trade market dynamics, and free agency will significantly influence their trajectory in the coming seasons.
https://twitter.com/FinsXtra/status/2021355040464888004
The Vikings will be bringing in a veteran QB to compete with J.J. McCarthy in 2026.
One league source I spoke with pondered the possibility of a Kirk Cousins reunion in Minnesota.https://t.co/P4kwbuMPJf pic.twitter.com/JNIz1iowYO
— Dianna Russini (@DMRussini) February 7, 2026
