The Miami Dolphins have announced the release of quarterback Tua Tagovailoa, effective at the start of the new NFL league year on Wednesday. This move officially ends Tagovailoa’s tenure with the team, where he was once viewed as the franchise’s future leader. The decision comes following a turbulent period marked by injury setbacks and inconsistent performance.
Financial Details and Cap Implications of the Release
Tagovailoa, who was under a four-year contract worth $212.4 million, will be designated as a post-June 1 cut, according to NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero. This designation allows the Dolphins to spread his $99 million dead cap hit across the 2026 and 2027 seasons, with charges of $67.4 million and $31.8 million respectively. OverTheCap.com notes that this move adds $11.1 million in cap charges for 2026, as Tagovailoa would have otherwise accounted for $56.3 million on the cap had he remained. Consequently, Miami finds itself approximately $7.8 million over the cap.
Potential NFL Teams Eyeing Tagovailoa as a Starter
With NFL free agency’s legal tampering period underway, several franchises are considering opportunities to bolster their quarterback position with Tagovailoa. Among the teams in immediate need of a starting quarterback are the Pittsburgh Steelers and the New York Jets, positioning them as leading candidates for securing Tagovailoa’s services.
The Steelers recently clinched the AFC North title behind Aaron Rodgers but face uncertainty over his future, as Rodgers has not yet confirmed whether he will return or retire. Should Rodgers depart, Tagovailoa could offer new head coach Mike McCarthy an experienced alternative at quarterback. Meanwhile, the Jets continue to endure the longest active playoff drought in the NFL and appear unlikely to contend in the upcoming season; however, Tagovailoa would join a lineup featuring reliable targets such as wide receiver Garrett Wilson and running back Breece Hall.
Should these possibilities not materialize, Tagovailoa also has potential fits with the Minnesota Vikings, where he could compete with J.J. McCarthy, or the Arizona Cardinals, aiming to challenge veteran Jacoby Brissett for the starting role.
Backup and Supporting Roles in Other Franchises
In addition to starting roles, Tagovailoa might be considered for backup positions, notably with the Los Angeles Chargers, where Mike McDaniel—the former Dolphins head coach and now Chargers offensive coordinator—could provide familiarity and continuity within the offensive system.
Tua Tagovailoa’s Career Trajectory with the Dolphins
Drafted fifth overall in 2020 following a standout career at Alabama, Tagovailoa entered the NFL with high expectations to become Miami’s franchise quarterback. His initial seasons showed promise; in 2022, he recorded 3,548 passing yards and 25 touchdowns despite missing games due to injury and sitting out the playoff matchup. The following season, Tagovailoa delivered a breakout performance, leading the league with 4,624 passing yards and 29 touchdowns, steering Miami to an 11-6 record—their best since 2008—before a wild-card playoff loss to the Kansas City Chiefs.
This strong showing led to a lucrative four-year contract extension worth $212 million, including $167.1 million guaranteed, making him the league’s second highest-paid quarterback at that time. However, Tagovailoa’s subsequent performance declined; he missed six games in 2024 and accumulated 2,867 yards with 19 touchdowns and seven interceptions. The 2025 season saw further struggles and a benching in December in favor of rookie Quinn Ewers. Tagovailoa ended 2025 with 2,660 passing yards, 20 touchdowns, and 15 interceptions.
When asked about his benching, Tagovailoa expressed his disappointment, stating,
“I’m not happy about it, but something out of my control.”
—Tua Tagovailoa, Quarterback
Miami’s Transition and Future Outlook at Quarterback
Given the benching and the uncertain direction at quarterback, the Dolphins faced the choice of trading or releasing Tagovailoa. After releasing veteran wide receiver Tyreek Hill in February, the Dolphins clearly signaled a rebuilding approach. The official release of Tagovailoa confirms the team’s intent to move forward and identify a new franchise quarterback to lead the roster.
This development opens significant possibilities in the quarterback market for the 2026 season. Teams like the Steelers, Jets, Vikings, and Cardinals will closely evaluate their options, while Tagovailoa’s familiar connections, such as with Mike McDaniel in Los Angeles, could influence his next destination. Miami’s decision also underscores the competitive and financially complex nature of roster management in the NFL.
We have informed QB Tua Tagovailoa that he will be released after the start of the new league year. pic.twitter.com/vc0chU6gYk
— Miami Dolphins (@MiamiDolphins) March 9, 2026
The Dolphins will use a post-June 1 designation for Tua, meaning as of June 1 they can split the dead cap hit: $67.4M in 2026 and $31.8M in 2027. https://t.co/Lwcv9Bx2Y9
— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) March 9, 2026
