In a surprising move just before the start of the NFL’s free agency period, the Miami Dolphins have released quarterback Tua Tagovailoa, according to team officials. Dolphins general manager John-Eric Sullivan was reportedly exploring trade options for the former franchise quarterback, but was unable to find a partner willing to take on the deal. The team ultimately made the decision to designate Tagovailoa’s release as a post-June 1 transfer, allowing Miami to absorb a significant financial hit in the short term while allowing for long-term cap relief.
Under the terms of this release, Miami will have $67.2 million in dead cap space for the 2026 season, one of the largest numbers in recent NFL history. However, the move provides future flexibility as the Dolphins are expected to save approximately $21.6 million against the 2027 salary cap. With Tagovailoa gone, the Dolphins’ quarterback room has been dramatically reorganized, with Quinn Ewers and Cam Miller currently the only two quarterbacks on the roster heading into free agency.
Tagovailoa’s departure ends a term that began with high expectations. The Dolphins selected the former Alabama star fifth overall in the 2020 NFL Draft, making him the franchise’s long-term successor at quarterback after a record-setting college career under Nick Saban. Tua entered the league on a four-year rookie contract worth approximately $30.3 million, including a signing bonus of more than $19 million, and was immediately seen as a central figure in Miami’s rebuild.
After a few productive seasons and elite play in Miami’s high-powered offense, the Dolphins doubled down on their investment. The team signed Tagovailoa to a massive contract extension worth more than $200 million, a deal designed to lock him in as the franchise quarterback for years to come. This extension now has a significant impact on the financial impact of his release, contributing to a significant increase in the dead cap amount the Dolphins will have to absorb in 2026.
Miami now faces big questions about its future at the position as NFL free agency officially opens on March 9, 2026. Dolphins Today host Nick Roloff reacted to the surprising move and broke down the impact of Tagovailoa’s release, what it means for the team’s salary cap situation, and which quarterback Miami might target next as rumors begin to fly around the league.
