Miami Dolphins to Release Tua Tagovailoa as 2026 Free Agency Begins The Miami Dolphins have notified quarterback Tua Tagovailoa that he will be released when the new NFL league year begins on Wednesday. The decision follows two seasons of underperformance on offense and the team’s plan to reset its salary cap. Tagovailoa, who was selected fifth overall in the 2020 NFL Draft, will be let go after six seasons as the team’s starting quarterback. During his tenure with the Dolphins, Tagovailoa recorded a 44-32 regular-season record, accumulating 18,166 passing yards, 120 touchdowns, 59 interceptions, and a career-high 96.4 passer rating. His totals for passing yards and touchdowns rank fourth in franchise history, while his passer rating is the best in team history. However, his performance declined significantly in 2025, with critics noting a stark contrast to his early career. Tagovailoa’s struggles have been marked by recurring injuries, particularly concussions, which limited his availability. He played a full season only once, in 2023, when he earned a Pro Bowl selection. Over his six seasons, he missed 23 regular-season games, including three in 2025. His inconsistency on the field has raised questions about his long-term viability as a starter. General Manager Jon-Eric Sullivan issued a statement regarding the team’s decision, expressing respect for Tagovailoa’s contributions and acknowledging his impact both on and off the field. “We are moving 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 the team’s focus on fostering competition and building a foundation for sustained success. The release of Tagovailoa will free up $99.2 million in dead money for the Dolphins’ salary cap.#miami_dolphins #tua_tagovailoa #quinn_ewers #joneric_sullivan #cam_miller
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
