By Miguel Mike Medina
Photo Credit: Megan Briggs / Getty
The Miami Dolphins are releasing quarterback Tua Tagovailoa. Miami will take $99 million in dead money. Tagovailoa has been the Dolphins quarterback since 2020.
New general manager Jon-Eric Sullivan and head coach Jeff Hafley are looking to begin a new era in Miami by bringing in a new quarterback. Sullivan issued a statement announcing the decision and expressing his appreciation for what Tua has brought to the organization.
Tagovailoa went 44-32 in 78 starts. He set records for the Dolphins franchise in terms of completion percentage and passer rating. Tagovailo made the Pro Bowl in 2023 with 4,624 passing yards. This performance led him to sign a four-year, $212.4 million extension with the Dolphins. The contract made him the highest-paid player in franchise history.
The Dolphins bet big time on Tua with that contract. Unfortunately, Tua and the franchise suffered tough moments when the quarterback sustained four concussions from 2022 to 2024. Tagovailoa only made one playoff appearance during his time with the Dolphins. The Dolphins lost to the Kansas City Chiefs in the 2023 AFC wild-card game, where he threw for one touchdown and one interception with 199 passing yards.
The Dolphins owe Tagovailoa $54 million in guaranteed money in 2026, minus any salary he makes from another team.
What’s next for Tagovailoa? Well, he’s now expected to hit free agency. The New York Jets could be a destination for him. The Atlanta Falcons and Arizona Cardinals are other places where he could join. The Dolphins have cleaned house by trading and releasing many players this offseason.
The 28-year-old is seeking a fresh start, and it allows him to prove himself all over again. For him to grow and improve as a quarterback, he must improve his throwing accuracy, stay healthy, and get out of the pocket more quickly.
Miguel Mike Medina is the publisher of The MMM Journal. He can be reached at medinamiguelmike@gmail.com and themmmjournal@gmail.com
X: @mmm_sportnfilms, Instagram: @miguel_passionforsports and @themmmjournal, LinkedIn: The MMM Journal, TikTok: @miguelmikemedina