The Miami Dolphins need to accept the fact their lucrative contract extension for quarterback Tua Tagovailoa was a bad idea. It also will be a costly decision as they try to move on from the benched starter in the 2026 NFL offseason.
Releasing Tagovailoa now would cost the Dolphins a ridiculous record $99.2 million in dead money toward the ’26 salary cap. With a June 1 designation or a release after that date, that money would just be spread out over two years, $67.4 million in dead money this year and $31.8 million next year.
The only way to recoup some against the cap would be trading Tagovailoa, with still $45.2 million in dead money but with $11 million in cap relief. The Dolphins would also need to be willing to take on enough of Tagovailoa’s salary to make another team want to take him in a deal.
There is likely to be a limited starting QB trade market for Tagovailoa, and the Dolphins would need to settle for a late Day 3 draft pick (later than the fourth round) in return. Here’s looking at the teams most likely to take a rebound shot at the 2020 first-rounder.
MORE: Full Tua Tagovailoa injury timeline
Tua Tagovailoa’s best trade fits
1. Minnesota Vikings
The Vikings have the best former offensive coach connection who isn’t Mike McDaniel with the Chargers. Given how things ended in Miami with McDaniel benching Tua, don’t expect Tagovailoa to back up Justin Herbert, the QB taken one spot (No. 6 overall) after Tua Tagovailoa in the 2020 NFL Draft.
Tagovailoa’s former offensive coordinator, Frank Smith, is a new assistant coach for Kevin O’Connell in Minnesota. The Vikings are looking for reasonable contingencies for J.J. McCarthy in Year 3 and Tagovailoa’s former first Dolphins coach Brian Flores also remains their defensive coordinator. They would likely take on Tua for the right price.
MORE: Where is Tua Tagovailoa from?
2. Indianapolis Colts
The Colts will be exploring all QB options with little faith in Anthony Richardson after Daniel Jones suffered a torn Achilles late last season. Jones is also a free agent. Chris Ballard and Shane Steichen might take a flyer on Tagovailoa should he come at a significant discount with the Dolphins picking up much of the tab.
MORE: Tua Tagovailoa among Alabama QBs in the NFL
3. Arizona Cardinals
The Cardinals will be moving on from Kyler Murray in a similar way via trade (they hope) and could look for more of a pocket passer in the new offense under Mike LaFleur and Nathaniel Hackett. Tagovailoa would be an interesting reclamation project in that scheme with some decent weapons and an improving line.
MORE: Meet Tua Tagovailoa’s family tree, including wife Annah
4. Carolina Panthers
The Panthers now have a connection to Tagovailoa in veteran offensive assistant Darrell Bevell, who also spent time with the Dolphins under McDaniel. They could explore a flyer on a Tagovailoa for fellow former Alabama QB Bryce Young. Andy Dalton is still the No. 2, under contract for only one more season.
MORE: Inside Tua Tagovailoa’s net worth, from career earnings to endorsements
5. Los Angeles Rams
The Rams would be a clear backup path for Tagovailoa under Sean McVay with Matthew Stafford’s current backup, Jimmy Garoppolo, going into free agency. Tagovailoa, only 27, can be an intriguing stash for the near future should Stafford play only one more season.
