The Miami Dolphins anticipated change heading into the summer. Few, however, expected a move that would instantly impact the entire league. That reset became official when the Dolphins decided to part ways with quarterback Tua Tagovailoa.
ESPN’s Adam Schefter reported that the Dolphins will release Tua with a post-June 1 designation. Following the report, the Dolphins also issued an official statement thanking their former franchise quarterback. However, the move also marks an embarrassing moment in NFL history.
With the release of Tua Tagovailoa, the Dolphins will carry $99 million in dead money. The massive dead cap hit is the largest in NFL history. It is clear the Dolphins would not have preferred this outcome after committing to Tua with a $212 million extension in 2024.
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Nevertheless, Miami is now expected to exercise Tua’s $15 million option bonus, carrying his $56.2 million cap hit into June. The Dolphins will then incur a $67.4 million cap hit in 2026 and $31.8 million in 2027, according to NFL Network’s Cameron Wolfe.
Tagovailoa is expected to sign elsewhere at the league minimum salary of $1.21 million. Meanwhile, the Dolphins are looking to replace the 28-year-old with another quarterback. Packers backup quarterback Malik Willis has emerged as a potential option, along with Rams veteran Jimmy Garoppolo.
Now, following Tua’s release, Miami faces a crucial decision as it attempts to rebuild at the quarterback position without repeating the same costly mistake.
