Summary
The Miami Dolphins will release quarterback Tua Tagovailoa, which will cost the team a record $99.2 million in dead cap money. Tagovailoa, who joined the Dolphins in 2020, received a contract extension in 2024 but faced performance issues and injuries, leading to this decision. The team is undergoing leadership and roster changes in an effort to rebuild.
Key Facts
- The Dolphins will pay a record $99.2 million in dead cap money to release Tua Tagovailoa.
- Tagovailoa was drafted by the Dolphins in 2020 as the fifth overall pick.
- He received a four-year contract extension in 2024 worth $212.4 million.
- In 2022, Tagovailoa suffered two concussions but led the league in passing yards in 2023.
- Underwhelming performance in 2025 led to his benching for the final three games of the season.
- The Dolphins also released wide receiver Tyreek Hill and plan to trade safety Minkah Fitzpatrick.
- Miami's general manager Jon-Eric Sullivan announced the team's shift towards building a strong roster foundation.
- Tagovailoa is the second big-name quarterback to be released during the NFL's free agency period, following Kyler Murray from the Arizona Cardinals.
