The Miami Dolphins officially closed the book on the Tua Tagovailoa era Monday, March 9, 2026, announcing the release of their former first-round pick and primary starting quarterback for the last six seasons. The move, which comes with a post-June 1 designation, signals a seismic shift in the Dolphins' approach at quarterback—and sets a new NFL record for dead cap money, with Miami absorbing a whopping $99.2 million against their salary cap over the next two years.
Tagovailoa's journey in Miami was anything but ordinary. Drafted fifth overall in the 2020 NFL draft out of Alabama, Tua arrived with the weight of a national championship pedigree and sky-high expectations. He was the first Alabama quarterback selected in the first round since Richard Todd in 1976, and Dolphins fans hoped he might finally fill the shoes left vacant since Dan Marino's retirement.
During his six-year stint, Tagovailoa played in 78 games, completing 68% of his passes for 18,166 yards and 120 touchdowns, while adding 473 rushing yards and six touchdowns on the ground. His best season came in 2023, when he led the NFL in passing yards with 4,624 and set a career-high 29 touchdown passes, steering the Dolphins to the playoffs. That year, he also earned a Pro Bowl nod and was lauded as a four-time team captain—a testament to his leadership both on and off the field.
But Tua's tenure was not without turbulence. Injuries repeatedly interrupted his rhythm, and he started a full season just once. The 2024 campaign saw him lead the league in completion percentage, yet he missed six games due to a concussion and a late-season hip injury. In 2025, Tagovailoa started 14 games, throwing for 2,660 yards and 20 touchdowns, but also a career-high 15 interceptions—a stat that ultimately led to his benching in favor of rookie Quinn Ewers, the Dolphins’ seventh-round pick from Texas.
General manager Jon-Eric Sullivan, who took over alongside new head coach Jeff Hafley, made it clear that the franchise was headed in a new direction. "As I shared with Tua, I have great respect for the person and player he is," Sullivan stated in the team's official announcement. "On behalf of the Miami Dolphins, I expressed our gratitude for his many contributions, both on the field and in the community during his six seasons in Miami." Sullivan further explained, "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."
The financial implications of this move are historic. Tagovailoa had signed a franchise-record four-year, $212.4 million contract extension in 2024, with $167.1 million fully guaranteed. The post-June 1 release allows the Dolphins to split the dead cap hit, leaving $67.4 million on the books for 2026 and $31.8 million in 2027. This surpasses the previous NFL record set by the Denver Broncos when they released Russell Wilson in 2024.
The Dolphins’ offseason has been nothing short of dramatic. Alongside Tagovailoa’s exit, Miami has cut ties with several key veterans, including star wide receiver Tyreek Hill, pass rusher Bradley Chubb, offensive lineman James Daniels, and wideout Nick Westbrook-Ikhine. Defensive back Minkah Fitzpatrick was traded to the New York Jets for a seventh-round pick, further signaling a full-scale rebuild under the new regime.
As for the quarterback room, the Dolphins are turning to Malik Willis, who will be reuniting with Sullivan and Hafley from their Green Bay days. Willis, while unproven as a full-time starter, posted impressive numbers in limited action—completing 70 of 89 passes for 972 yards, six touchdowns, and no interceptions over three games in the last two seasons. Rookie Quinn Ewers remains the most experienced returning quarterback, and Miami is expected to add more competition in the upcoming draft and possibly through free agency, though Sullivan cautioned that the team does not expect to be "big spenders."
Tagovailoa’s departure comes after months of speculation. His future in Miami was thrown into doubt after being benched for the final three games of the 2025 season. At the NFL scouting combine, Sullivan admitted that "everything is on the table" regarding Tua's future, including the possibility of a trade. Ultimately, no trade materialized, paving the way for Monday’s release.
Fan reactions to Tagovailoa’s time in Miami have been mixed. Some felt his pinpoint accuracy and leadership were invaluable, while others questioned his durability and ability to deliver in the postseason. The Dolphins, who have not won a playoff game in over 25 years, saw flashes of brilliance from Tua—especially in his record-setting 2023 campaign—but also endured stretches of inconsistency and injury setbacks that hampered the team’s progress.
In a heartfelt farewell posted to social media, Tagovailoa wrote, "Wearing this jersey and representing this city has been one of the greatest joys of my life." He continued, "From the moment I arrived, you believed in me, supported me, and embraced my family as your own. I was able to marry my wife and welcome both my kids to this world. ... I also carry deep regret that I couldn’t get the job done and bring a championship home to this city. Miami deserves that, and I’ll always wish I could have delivered it for you." Tagovailoa closed his message by saying, "As I prepare for the next chapter, I move forward with gratitude, faith, and memories I’ll cherish for a lifetime. South Florida will always hold a special place in my heart."
Looking ahead, Tagovailoa is expected to sign with the Atlanta Falcons once the league year officially begins on March 11, 2026. The Falcons are in the market for a quarterback, with Michael Penix Jr. recovering from a knee injury and Kirk Cousins slated for release. Atlanta’s leadership, including new head coach Kevin Stefanski and president of football operations Matt Ryan, reportedly views Tua as a potential answer under center. For Tagovailoa, it’s a chance to write a new chapter and perhaps, finally, deliver on the promise that once made him the toast of Tuscaloosa and a beacon of hope in Miami.
As the Dolphins embark on yet another rebuild, the Tua Tagovailoa era will be remembered for its highs, lows, and the unrelenting hope that surrounded every snap. The next act for both player and franchise is about to begin, and all eyes will be watching as free agency opens and Miami’s quarterback carousel spins once more.