Miami, United States
News Desk | Sports
Miami, United States — The Miami Dolphins announced Monday they will release quarterback Tua Tagovailoa, ending a six-season tenure with the franchise and triggering one of the largest salary-cap charges in NFL history. The move, confirmed by team officials, comes as the club reshapes its roster ahead of the new league year and signals a major shift for the organization’s quarterback position.
The Dolphins said the decision will take effect at the start of the NFL’s new league year. General manager Jon-Eric Sullivan thanked Tagovailoa for his contributions to the team and community, describing him as an important part of the franchise during his time in Miami.
Tua Tagovailoa, the fifth overall pick in the 2020 NFL Draft out of the University of Alabama, spent his entire professional career with Miami. During his tenure, he compiled a 44–32 record as a starter while throwing for more than 18,000 yards with 120 touchdown passes and 59 interceptions.
The quarterback’s career in Miami included moments of strong offensive production but was also marked by injury concerns, including several diagnosed concussions that drew league-wide attention to player safety and led to updates in the NFL’s concussion protocol.
Miami’s decision also carries significant financial implications. Reports indicate the team will absorb roughly $99 million in dead salary-cap charges tied to Tagovailoa’s contract, one of the largest such figures recorded under the league’s cap system.
Tua Tagovailoa signed a four-year, $212.4 million contract extension with the Dolphins in 2024, but the team struggled to meet expectations during the 2025 season, finishing 7–10 and missing the playoffs. The quarterback threw 20 touchdowns and 15 interceptions while the team went 6–8 in his starts.
The franchise underwent broader changes following the season. Miami dismissed head coach Mike McDaniel in January and hired Jeff Hafley as his successor, while a new front office led by Sullivan began reshaping the roster ahead of the 2026 campaign.
In a farewell message shared publicly, Tagovailoa thanked Dolphins fans, teammates, and staff, saying he appreciated the opportunity to represent the organization and was open to the possibility of a fresh start elsewhere in the league.
The Dolphins are expected to evaluate options at quarterback as they enter the offseason, including potential draft prospects or other roster moves as part of the team’s rebuilding strategy.
ALSO READ: Austin Wells Hits First World Baseball Classic Home Run For Dominican Republic
