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The Miami Dolphins are moving on from Tua Tagovailoa, the quarterback they drafted with the fifth overall pick in 2020 in hopes of turning the franchise’s fortunes around.
“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,” Dolphins general manager Jon-Eric Sullivan said in a statement on Monday.
The move will cost the Dolphins an NFL record $99m in dead money against the salary cap. ESPN reported that the move will be designated after 1 June, meaning the Dolphins will spread the hit to their salary cap across two years ($67.4m in 2026, $31.8m in 2027). ESPN also reported that the Atlanta Falcons are interested in signing Tagovailoa. Atlanta are set to release Kirk Cousins and Michael Penix Jr is recovering from injury.
NFL Network report that the Dolphins will sign former Green Bay Packers quarterback Malik Willis as Tagovailoa’s replacement. Willis, a third-round pick for the Tennessee Titans in 2022, impressed in relief stints for the Packers when Jordan Love was injured. While Willis is a threat in both the passing and running game and seems to have improved significantly during his time in Green Bay, he has started just six games in his four-year career. NFL Network reported the Dolphins will give Willis a three-year, $67.5m contract.
In other notable moves on Monday, the Kansas City Chiefs are reported to be signing running back Kenneth Walker III, who was Super Bowl MVP this year after helping lead the Seattle Seahawks to victory over the New England Patriots. Travis Kelce is also reported to be returning to the Chiefs for a 14th season.
Tagovailoa’s departure comes less than two years after he signed a franchise-record $212.4m extension with Miami.
“I recently informed Tua and his representation that we are going to move in a new direction at the quarterback position and will be releasing him after the start of the new league year,” Sullivan said. “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 many contributions, both on the field and in the community, during his six seasons.”
Tagovailoa is owed $55m in salary in 2026; the Dolphins will need to pay that in full, although it could be partly offset by any team who signs him. The Dolphins had been hoping to find a trade partner for the quarterback but they could not find one.
Tagovailoa showed flashes of promise in Miami, and led the league in passing in 2023 and in passer rating in 2022. However, he struggled with inconsistency and injuries throughout his Dolphins career. Concussions were a particular problem: he has been diagnosed with three so far in his NFL career, and at one point it was feared they could force him into an early retirement.
“As I prepare for the next chapter, I move forward with gratitude, faith, and memories I’ll cherish for a lifetime,” Tagovailoa said in a social media post on Monday. “South Florida will always hold a special place in my heart.”
The 28-year-old led the Dolphins to the playoffs twice during his six seasons in Miami but never won a postseason game. He went 44-32 and threw for 18,166 yards with 120 touchdowns and 59 interceptions.
