Miami Dolphins general manager Eric Sullivan revealed on Tuesday that the team is considering a trade involving quarterback Tua Tagovailoa during the upcoming offseason. Although Tagovailoa expressed interest in a fresh start, he has not formally requested a trade, according to Sullivan. The quarterback, who is 27 years old, remains a subject of ongoing discussions between the Dolphins and his representatives as the team evaluates its options.
We’ve had conversations with Tua and his representation. Everything’s on the table, including the potential of a trade,
Sullivan said.
We don’t know which way that’s gonna go. There’s a lot of factors in play, a lot of conversations being had.
?Eric Sullivan, Miami Dolphins general manager
Assessing Miami’s Options Amid Tagovailoa’s Contract and Performance
The Dolphins face a complicated situation with Tagovailoa’s contract, which includes a $99 million dead cap hit in the second year of his four-year extension, valued at $212.4 million. Should Miami decide to release him after June 1, they could spread that costly cap hit over two seasons, but the financial burden remains significant. The 2025 season exposed struggles, as Tagovailoa was benched late after throwing a career-high 15 interceptions and posting a career-low 37.5 quarterback rating.
I think Tua had some bright moments,
Sullivan reflected.
I think Tua, if he was standing here today, would tell you there were some moments he wishes he had back, some decisions he had back. Tua has accomplished a lot of really good things in his time in Miami. I think people that are Miami Dolphins fans should be proud to have had him here, and we’ll see where it goes.
?Eric Sullivan, Miami Dolphins general manager
Exploring Alternatives for the Dolphins’ Quarterback Role
The front office is also evaluating young quarterback prospects such as Malik Willis, as well as available free agents, to potentially replace or supplement Tagovailoa. Both Sullivan and head coach Jeff Hafley, who previously worked with the Green Bay Packers, have familiarity with backup quarterback Jordan Love from his time in Green Bay. Their openness reflects the uncertainty facing the Dolphins’ quarterback position as decisions loom this offseason.
We have no idea what that’s going to look like in our room,
Sullivan admitted.
Is it going to be multiple draft picks? Is it going to be a free agent along with Quinn? Who knows? We have so many factors at play. We’ve got a lot of decisions to make as we move through the next couple of weeks.
?Eric Sullivan, Miami Dolphins general manager
Implications for the Dolphins Moving Forward
With the quarterback position in flux, the Dolphins face a critical crossroads as they aim to stabilize their roster while managing significant financial commitments to Tagovailoa. Trade talks highlight the front office’s willingness to consider bold moves to reshape the team’s future. How Miami proceeds over the coming weeks will likely influence the franchise’s trajectory and its chances at rebuilding a winning roster.
