In a surprising move less than three years after a dominant win against the Denver Broncos, the Miami Dolphins have decided to release quarterback Tua Tagovailoa as a post-June 1 cut, incurring an unprecedented $99 million dead cap charge. This surpasses the previous record held by the Broncos when they dealt with an $85 million dead cap hit after releasing Russell Wilson.
The Dolphins’ decision marks a significant moment in the NFL, showing their willingness to absorb a massive financial burden in hopes of reshaping the franchise’s future.
How Miami’s Rebuilding Mirrors Denver’s Past Strategy
Looking back at the 2023 season, the Dolphins overwhelmed the Broncos 70-20 in Miami, a game that left Denver fans stunned. At the time, Denver was under the leadership of Sean Payton and grappling with coaching uncertainty, as many wanted Vance Joseph dismissed. Meanwhile, players like Nik Bonitto had not yet become starters, and the Broncos were far from their current strength.
The Dolphins, led by head coach Mike McDaniel, appeared to be rising as an AFC offensive juggernaut. Tua Tagovailoa was considered an MVP contender, Tyreek Hill was performing at an elite level, and the team looked unstoppable. Fast forward to the 2026 season, and the Broncos have emerged as one of the AFC’s top contenders, retaining key personnel and developing around their quarterback Bo Nix.
Conversely, Miami has undergone a dramatic overhaul. The Dolphins fired McDaniel during the offseason, parted ways with GM Chris Grier during the 2025 season, and recently cut several notable veterans including Tagovailoa, Tyreek Hill, and Bradley Chubb, signaling a clear teardown strategy.
The Shift in Fortunes for Miami and Denver
Miami’s sweeping changes contrast sharply with the Broncos’ steady rebuild. The Broncos have transformed their roster and culture, positioning themselves for another deep playoff run, while the Dolphins face the challenge of starting anew despite carrying the burden of the largest dead cap hit in league history.
This reversal of fortunes highlights how quickly NFL trajectories can change.
“If you had told Broncos fans in the moments after that 70-20 loss that this would be the reality less than three years later, nobody would have believed you,”
underscoring the unexpected turn of events and frustration among fans and analysts alike.
The Dolphins, in essence, have followed Denver’s example of accepting a historic dead cap hit as a painful but necessary step toward rebuilding and returning to competitiveness.
Repercussions and What to Expect Moving Forward
By absorbing nearly $100 million in dead money, Miami is making a clear statement that future flexibility and team culture reconstruction outweigh current financial costs. This move may unsettle fans and analysts, given the sharp decline from a team once viewed as a potential AFC powerhouse.
With the Broncos ascending and the Dolphins dismantling their veteran core, the AFC landscape is shifting dramatically. How Miami’s gamble will pay off remains uncertain, but the willingness to endure such a historic dead cap hit suggests that management is committed to rebuilding the franchise from the ground up.
Sources: The Dolphins are releasing QB Tua Tagovailoa with a post–June 1 designation.
By cutting Tagovailoa, Miami will take on an NFL-record $99 million in dead money, split over two years, but new GM Jon-Eric Sullivan and HC Jeff Hafley now get a fresh start at the quarterback… pic.twitter.com/521FwOj0MR
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) March 9, 2026
