End of an Era: Miami Dolphins Release Quarterback Tua Tagovailoa
The Miami Dolphins have made the decision to part ways with quarterback Tua Tagovailoa, ending his tenure with the team. Tagovailoa, who was selected as the No. 5 pick in the 2020 draft and signed to a lucrative contract extension in 2024, was released by the Dolphins due to the inability to find a trade partner for him. The move comes with a significant dead cap hit of $99.2 million split over the next two seasons.
The decision to release Tagovailoa was not unexpected, especially after he was benched towards the end of the previous season. With Tagovailoa no longer on the roster, rising second-year quarterback Quinn Ewers and prospect Cam Miller are the two quarterbacks under contract for the 2026 season. The future of Zach Wilson, the former No. 2 pick in 2021, who was a backup last season, remains uncertain as he heads into free agency.
Ewers is expected to compete for the starting job next season, with potential competition from quarterbacks brought in through free agency or the draft. Tagovailoa, who played six seasons with the Dolphins, leaves behind a legacy as the franchise's career leader in passer rating, completion percentage, and ranks fourth in passing yards and touchdowns.
Tagovailoa's professional journey in Miami had its ups and downs, with initial doubts about his ability in the NFL. However, under the coaching of Mike McDaniel in 2022, Tagovailoa showed significant improvement, leading the league in various statistical categories in subsequent seasons. Despite overcoming injury concerns and making a Pro Bowl appearance in 2023, Tagovailoa's performance declined in 2025, leading to his benching.
The Dolphins' decision to release Tagovailoa marks the end of an era for the young quarterback in Miami. As the team looks towards the future, the quarterback position will be a focal point of attention, with Ewers poised to take on a more prominent role. The departure of Tagovailoa signifies a new chapter for the Dolphins as they navigate the quarterback landscape in the upcoming season.