The Miami Dolphins will release quarterback Tua Tagovailoa at the start of the new league year,Yankee Scores reports.
The club announced the decision in a statement posted on their social media platforms on Monday.
According to ESPN, the Dolphins will designate Tagovailoa’s release after June 1. This allows the team to split the dead money across two years.
The post–June 1 designation leaves the Dolphins with a $67.4 million dead cap hit in 2026. They will then carry $31.8 million in 2027.
Dolphins Explain Decision
“As we move forward, we will focus on adding competition across the roster and establishing a strong foundation for this team as we work toward building a sustained winner,” Dolphins general manager Jon-Eric Sullivan said in the statement.
“I recently informed Tua and his representation that we are moving in a new direction at quarterback and will release him after the start of the new league year,” Sullivan added.
“As I shared with Tua, I have great respect for the person and player he is. On behalf of the Miami Dolphins, I expressed our gratitude for his contributions on the field and in the community during his six seasons.”
Tagovailoa’s Dolphins Career
The Dolphins selected Tagovailoa with the fifth overall pick in the 2020 draft. He became the team’s starting quarterback in 2021.
During that season, he threw for 2,653 yards and 16 touchdowns while recording 10 interceptions.
Tagovailoa lost his starting role during the final games of the 2025 season. That decision raised doubts about his long-term future with the team.
At the scouting combine, Sullivan said every option remained on the table, including a potential trade.
However, the Dolphins did not complete a deal. As a result, Quinn Ewers is currently the most experienced quarterback on the roster.
According to ESPN, Sullivan also said the Dolphins will likely add a quarterback in this year’s draft. The team could also explore free agency but will not be “big spenders.”
Tagovailoa’s Farewell Message
Tagovailoa addressed the situation in an Instagram post on Monday morning. He shared a farewell message with Dolphins fans.
“To the Miami Dolphins organization, my teammates, the front office and the incredible fans – Thank you for six unforgettable years.
From the moment I arrived, yotu 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 was able to fortunately allow them to experience life from one I never got to growing up. Wearing this jersey and representing this city has been one of the greatest joys of my life….”
Career Highlights
Tagovailoa led the National Football League in passing yards during the 2023 season with 4,624.
He also recorded a career-high 29 touchdown passes.That performance helped him secure a four-year, $212.4 million contract extension with the Dolphins. The deal made him the highest-paid player in franchise history.
He also led the league in completion percentage in 2024. However, he missed six games that season due to a concussion and a hip injury.
