Speculation is rising about the future of quarterback Tua Tagovailoa with the Miami Dolphins as trade rumors circulate. During an NFL scouting combine press conference on Tuesday, Dolphins general manager Jon-Eric Sullivan indicated that all options are being considered, including a potential trade involving Tagovailoa. Although the quarterback has not formally asked to be traded, Sullivan noted that while Tagovailoa’s representatives have confirmed his desire to continue playing, they
“have not, in particular, said he wants to stay.”
League Expectations Surrounding Tagovailoa’s Status
Jonathan Jones from CBS Sports reported that the Dolphins would prefer to receive draft compensation and find a team willing to absorb part of Tagovailoa’s contract in any trade. However, such a scenario is currently deemed highly improbable. Jones further stated that
“nearly everyone in the league anticipates”
the quarterback being released with a post-June 1 designation, a move that would give the Dolphins more salary cap flexibility.
Financial and Performance Factors Affecting Trade Prospects
In July 2024, Miami secured Tagovailoa with a four-year, $212.1 million contract extension guaranteeing $54 million for the 2026 season and $3 million of his 2027 salary becoming guaranteed on March 15. Given these financial commitments, combined with Tagovailoa’s struggles last season—where he threw a career-high 15 interceptions and was benched late in the year—finding a trade partner interested in taking on this contract appears challenging.
Recent Changes Under New Dolphins Leadership
Since joining the Dolphins this offseason, general manager Jon-Eric Sullivan and head coach Jeff Hafley have quickly made significant roster changes. Notably, the team released star wide receiver Tyreek Hill and veteran pass rusher Bradley Chubb in moves designed to reduce salary obligations. Tagovailoa might be next in line for departure, although the team’s ability to execute a trade remains uncertain due to contract and performance issues.
Potential Impact and Future Outlook
The potential departure of Tua Tagovailoa would represent a major shift for Miami’s offense following recent personnel overhauls. Should the Dolphins proceed with releasing or trading their longtime quarterback, it could signal a new direction for the franchise as they seek more cap space and roster flexibility. Meanwhile, Tagovailoa’s next destination—if any—remains to be seen, with league insiders doubting a straightforward trade will materialize soon.
Dolphins GM Jon-Eric Sullivan on Tua Tagovailoa status “everything is on table, including possibility of a trade.”
Sully said Tua hasn’t requested a trade. As we’ve noted, Dolphins are in process of finding new franchise QB & team preference is a trade over a release. We’ll see. pic.twitter.com/p6aiKUrRSb
— Cameron Wolfe (@CameronWolfe) February 24, 2026
https://twitter.com/Marcel_LJ/status/2026319281718218925
The Dolphins would love for someone to give them draft compensation and take part of Tagovailoa's contract. That's an extremely unlikely scenario. Releasing Tua with a post-June 1 designation is the option nearly everyone in the league anticipates.
— Jonathan Jones (@jjones9) February 24, 2026
