Miami Dolphins Release Tua Tagovailoa as Free Agency Begins The Miami Dolphins have decided to part ways with quarterback Tua Tagovailoa, marking a significant shift in the team’s approach to its offensive strategy. General manager Jon-Eric Sullivan announced the move on Monday, stating that the Dolphins will release Tagovailoa as the new league year begins. The decision comes after six seasons with the team, during which Tagovailoa was selected with the No. 5 overall pick in the 2020 NFL draft. Despite his potential, a combination of recurring injuries and inconsistent performance led to the Dolphins’ decision to move in a new direction at the quarterback position. Sullivan’s statement highlighted the team’s gratitude for Tagovailoa’s contributions, both on and off the field. “I recently informed Tua and his representation that we are going to move in a new direction at the quarterback position and will be releasing him after the start of the new league year,” Sullivan said. He emphasized his respect for Tagovailoa as a person and player, noting the Dolphins’ appreciation for his efforts during his time with the team. The Dolphins will now focus on building a competitive roster and establishing a foundation for long-term success. Tagovailoa’s tenure with Miami was marked by both promise and challenges. Over his six seasons, he accumulated 18,166 passing yards and 120 touchdowns. However, his career was frequently disrupted by injuries, with him playing at least 16 games in a season only once. The Dolphins had previously invested heavily in his future, offering him a four-year, $212.4 million contract extension before the 2024 season. Despite this financial commitment, the team’s decision to release him reflects the impact of his on-field struggles.#miami_dolphins #tua_tagovailoa #jon_eric_sullivan #jeff_hafley #2024_season
Dolphins to release Tua Tagovailoa, take on record cap hit MIAMI GARDENS, Fla. -- The Miami Dolphins will release quarterback Tua Tagovailoa after the start of the new league year, a decision that will leave the team with an NFL-record $99 million in dead money against the salary cap. The move, announced by the Dolphins in a statement, marks the end of Tagovailoa’s six-year tenure with the franchise, which began with a fifth-overall draft pick in 2020. The release will be designated post-June 1, allowing the Dolphins to split the financial burden over two years, with $67.4 million in 2026 and $31.8 million in 2027. General manager Jon-Eric Sullivan emphasized the team’s focus on fostering competition and building a foundation for long-term success. “As we move forward, we will be focused on infusing competition across the roster and establishing a strong foundation for this team as we work towards building a sustained winner,” Sullivan said in the team’s statement. The decision to part ways with Tagovailoa, who had been benched for the final three games of the 2025 season, comes after months of public speculation about his future with the Dolphins. Sullivan confirmed the release in a statement, noting that the team had explored all options, including a trade, but none materialized. “I recently informed Tua and his representation that we are going to move in a new direction at the quarterback position and will be releasing him after the start of the new league year,” Sullivan said. He praised Tagovailoa’s contributions, both on and off the field, during his time with the Dolphins. Tagovailoa’s departure leaves the Dolphins with Quinn Ewers, a seventh-round pick in 2025, as their most experienced returning quarterback.#miami_dolphins #tua_tagovailoa #jon_eric_sullivan #quinn_ewers #mike_mcDaniel
