The Miami Dolphins find themselves in a pivotal offseason after a difficult 2025 campaign, driven by urgency to solve the quarterback puzzle. New general manager Jon-Eric Sullivan is exploring a major trade involving Kyler Murray, a former No. 1 overall pick seeking a fresh start, as the team grapples with the complexities of salary cap constraints and quarterback uncertainty.
The End of an Era Following a Tumultuous 2025 Season
Miami’s 2025 season was marked by a painful collapse early on, starting 1-6 amid offensive struggles and a significant regression from Tua Tagovailoa, who threw a career-high 15 interceptions. The Dolphins’ hallmark fast-paced, rhythm-based offense lost its edge. A midseason rally, fueled by De’Von Achane’s dynamic play, pulled the team back into the playoff race with five wins in six games. However, a critical Week 15 loss to the Steelers ended those hopes decisively.
The aftermath was swift and decisive. Owner Stephen Ross dismissed longtime general manager Chris Grier and head coach Mike McDaniel. Tagovailoa, once the face of the franchise, was benched late in favor of rookie quarterback Quinn Ewers, signaling a significant shift in direction. The 7-10 finish was more than disappointment—it was a transformative moment for the organization.
Salary Cap Challenges and the Quarterback Dilemma
As the Dolphins enter the 2026 offseason, their greatest obstacle is the salary cap situation centered on Tagovailoa’s contract. His 2026 salary of $54 million is fully guaranteed, and releasing him outright would produce a massive dead cap charge of $99.2 million. The team is projected to be approximately $4 million over the cap, creating no straightforward path to move on cleanly from Tagovailoa.
Still, Miami possesses valuable assets, including the No. 11 overall draft pick and five selections within the top 100 picks, giving them leverage to pursue a trade partner. Head coach Jeff Hafley’s new vision demands a mobile, dual-threat quarterback to reshape Miami’s offense—a role Kyler Murray is uniquely suited to fill.
Kyler Murray’s Challenging 2025 Campaign
Murray’s 2025 season with Arizona was significantly hindered by a foot injury sustained in Week 5 against Tennessee. Before being placed on injured reserve, he managed five starts with 962 passing yards, six touchdowns, and three interceptions but struggled to find consistency amid an unstable offensive setup. After his injury, Arizona faltered to a 3-14 record.
Rumors of friction between Murray and the Cardinals’ front office have increased speculation about an impending trade. While Murray’s contract remains expensive, his athleticism and prime years still offer high potential if Miami’s medical and coaching staff can restore his effectiveness.
How the Proposed Trade Would Be Structured
Miami’s trade offer aims to acquire Murray while addressing their financial constraints and quarterback uncertainties. The framework under discussion includes:
- Miami acquiring Kyler Murray along with a 2027 fifth-round draft pick.
- Arizona receiving Miami’s 2026 first-round pick, a 2027 third-round pick, and quarterback Tua Tagovailoa, with the Cardinals agreeing to absorb a negotiated portion of Tagovailoa’s salary.
This approach is strategic rather than extravagant, designed to reset the quarterbacks’ futures for both franchises without unnecessary financial burden.
Reasons Miami Is Prepared to Make the Move
First, Murray’s mobility offers a transformative element that Miami’s offense desperately needs. The Dolphins’ previous reliance on timing and a confined pocket collapsed under pressure, but Murray’s improvisational skills and ability to extend plays align well with Jaylen Waddle’s speed and the team’s vertical passing aggression.
Second, this trade is a buy-low scenario. Murray’s value has decreased due to his injury and questions about his explosiveness, presenting Miami an opportunity to secure a high-upside quarterback at a lower cost if he regains his health.
Third, the trade would allow Miami to restructure Murray’s cap hit, smoothing financial impact while upgrading from Tagovailoa’s fully guaranteed $54 million salary. Rather than simply redirecting cost, this offers a flexible contractual solution with upside potential.
What Arizona Gains by Considering the Trade
From Arizona’s perspective, moving Murray before June 1 would free over $35 million in cap space, providing financial flexibility ahead of the draft. It also clears the way for the Cardinals to select a quarterback with the No. 3 overall pick without entanglements from the prior regime. Additionally, acquiring Tagovailoa offers a veteran bridge or mentor option without a long-term commitment.
The inclusion of Tagovailoa is a key factor in balancing the trade, as he brings experience and fills a potential leadership void for the Cardinals while Miami reduces its substantial salary guarantee.
The Trade Represents a Necessary Risk for Miami’s Future
No quarterback solution is without risk in the NFL, and holding the No. 11 pick in the draft does not guarantee success. However, remaining stagnant would almost certainly doom Miami’s hopes for a turnaround. Murray’s durability and fit remain open questions, but the Dolphins have moved beyond cautious strategies.
A franchise historically defined by speed now must embrace adaptability to remain competitive. If Miami’s leadership believes Murray can recapture his peak form, this trade could mark a bold new chapter. Given the pressure heading into the 2026 season, taking such a gamble may be the only viable path forward.
