The NFL Scouting Combine has come to a close, and teams now move towards the new league year. Some teams have tough decisions to make with limited time to do so.
The Miami Dolphins, however, appear to have made their decision on quarterback Tua Tagovailoa. Reports have surfaced that there hasn’t been trade interest.
MORE: Deshaun Watson expected to start for Cleveland Browns in 2026
This leaves Miami with either keeping Tagovailoa or releasing him. They are set now to release him with a post-June 1 designation.
Dec 7, 2025; East Rutherford, New Jersey, USA; New York Jets quarterback Brady Cook (4) greets Miami Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa (1) after the game at MetLife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Vincent Carchietta-Imagn Images
Tagovailoa came to the organization in 2020 as a top-five pick. While he blamed a lot of his struggles on the head coach Brian Flores, his rebound with Mike McDaniel was short-lived.
After two solid seasons in 2022 and 2023, his health and play both became growing concerns. He missed six games in 2024 and majorly regressed last season.
MORE: Cardinals head coach LaFleur looking to reunite with Super Bowl champion quarterback
His turnovers remained a big issue, and he has lacked accountability at times, going as far as urging an offseason trade after his benching. Tagovailoa was given every chance to succeed in Miami.
He was given Tyreek Hill, Jaylen Waddle, Darren Waller, Jonnu Smith, and Devon Achane, along with a head coach who believed in him. Though he managed some success, when the moments were the biggest, he simply couldn’t come through.
Now, Miami will need to determine who its next quarterback will be. A post-June 1 release will force the Dolphins to accelerate his guarantees but spread the hit out over two years.
They may try to negotiate a release with Tagovailoa to lessen the hit by using void years. They will need to act quickly as his 2026 salary becomes guaranteed on March 13th.
— Enjoy free coverage of the top news & trending stories on The Big Lead —
NFL: 2026 NFL salary cap space rankings by team
NHL: Auston Matthews’ Olympic gold, Donald Trump visit, draws surprising reaction in Toronto
MLB: Dodgers manager bothered by Tanner Scott quote
ENTERTAINMENT: Team USA hockey stars set for ‘SNL’ cameo after Winter Olympics
SPORTS MEDIA: NBC Sunday Night Football set to make major change for 2026 NFL season
WORLD CUP: Iran could withdraw from 2026 FIFA World Cup amid Middle East tension
