The Miami Dolphins sent shockwaves through the league Monday morning with the news that they are officially moving on from Tua Tagovailoa. As first reported by NFL Network insider Tom Pelissero, the organization has informed the 28-year-old quarterback of his release, effectively ending a polarizing six-year tenure in South Florida just two years after he signed a record-breaking extension.

In a formal statement released Monday, the Dolphins confirmed the decision. “I recently informed Tua and his representation that we are going to move in a different direction at the quarterback position and will be releasing him after the start of the new league year,” Dolphins GM Jon-Eric Sullivan said.

The move, while stunning in its financial magnitude, follows months of speculation regarding Tagovailoa’s future after he was benched for the final three games of the 2025 season.

As the Dolphins begin the search for their next franchise signal-caller, the NFL world now turns its attention to Tagovailoa’s next chapter, with several quarterback-needy teams expected to inquire about the 28-year-old’s services once he officially hits the open market. Also, he showed gratitude to Dolphins with a heartfelt farewell message.

How much money do the Dolphins owe Tagovailoa?

By designating Tagovailoa as a post-June 1 cut, the Dolphins will spread a staggering $99.2 million in dead money over the next two seasons. Miami remains on the hook for Tagovailoa’s $54 million fully guaranteed salary for 2026, though that figure is subject to offsets from any league-minimum deal he signs with a new suitor this spring, according to Pelissero.

According to NFL salary cap expert @Jason_OTC on X, Miami could split Tua’s dead money at either $67.4 million cap hit for 2026 and $31.8 million in 2027 or $55.4M in 2026 and $43.8M in 2027: “Depends on what they do with an option bonus. My understanding of the rule is they could exercise the option and still use the June 1.”

After failing to secure a deep postseason run during the Tagovailoa era, the Dolphins’ new regime appears ready to embrace a difficult “reset” year in hopes of building a more sustainable contender from the ground up.

Tagovailoa’s tenure in Miami by the numbers

While Tagovailoa provided flashes of brilliance—including a league-leading passing campaign in 2023—his overall body of work was ultimately deemed underwhelming by a front office and fan base that expected a more consistent championship ceiling. Here is a final look at the stats from the Tagovailoa era in South Florida:

  • Games Played: 78
  • Passing Yards: 18,166
  • Passing Touchdowns: 120
  • Interceptions: 59
  • Completion Percentage: 68.0%
  • Passer Rating: 96.4
  • Record as Starter: 44–32