This offseason, with new head coach Jeff Hafley and new general manager Jon-Eric Sullivan, the Miami Dolphins have undergone significant changes to their roster.
Tyreek Hill and Bradley Chubb have already been released, and the big move with quarterback Tua Tagovailoa was yet to come. But the Dolphins could’ve found a trade partner with him instead of simply releasing him.
However, hours before the free agency legal tampering period opens, the Dolphins officially announced their decision with Tagovailoa. The lefty $212 million quarterback has been released.
Dolphins release Tua Tagovailoa after not finding a trade
“We have informed QB Tua Tagovailoa that he will be released after the start of the new league year,” the Dolphins announced.
This is a big move for Miami, as it will officially lock in the mammoth $99.2 million dead cap charge for the team with Tagovailoa’s release.
While this is a massive dead cap hit to take on by releasing Tagovialoa, this move is being designated as a post June 1 cut, meaning the cap hits will be spread across the next two years instead of all hitting in 2026.
Still, it’s a major cap hit for the Dolphins, and will restrict their free agency plans this offseason due to the massive cap hit.
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Tagovailoa was the fifth-overall pick in the 2020 NFL Draft. He played six seasons in Miami, starting 76 games and going 44-32 with a Pro Bowl nod, a top-10 MVP finish, and some overall solid numbers.
He finishes his Dolphins career with a 68.0% completion rate, 18,166 passing yards, 120 touchdowns, 59 interceptions, and a career passer rating of 96.4
Tagovailoa will now be a free agent and is likely to sign a veteran minimum contract to secure a spot on a new roster as a bridge quarterback.
