It was a move that many saw coming, but it still came as a shock to fans and analysts alike when the Miami Dolphins announced that they were releasing quarterback Tua Tagovailoa. After being benched for the final three games of the 2025 regular season by former head coach Mike McDaniel, it was clear that Tagovailoa’s time with the Dolphins was coming to an end. And now, with a new regime in place, that shift has officially arrived.
The decision to release Tagovailoa was not an easy one for the Dolphins organization. After all, just two years ago, they selected him with the fifth overall pick in the 2023 NFL Draft, hoping he would be the franchise quarterback they had been searching for. And while Tagovailoa showed flashes of potential, he never quite lived up to the expectations placed upon him.
In his two seasons with the Dolphins, Tagovailoa threw for 4,091 yards, 24 touchdowns, and 13 interceptions. While these numbers may seem decent, they pale in comparison to the performances of other young quarterbacks in the league. And with the Dolphins missing the playoffs in both of Tagovailoa’s seasons, it was clear that a change needed to be made.
But the decision to release Tagovailoa was not just based on his on-field performance. It was also a strategic move by the Dolphins to free up cap space and potentially bring in a new quarterback through free agency or the draft. With the salary cap expected to decrease due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Dolphins needed to make some tough decisions in order to stay competitive.
So, how much does Miami still owe Tagovailoa? According to reports, the Dolphins will have to pay him $4.5 million in guaranteed money for the 2026 season. This is a significant amount, but it pales in comparison to the $40 million they would have owed him if they had picked up his fifth-year option. By releasing him now, the Dolphins are saving themselves a substantial amount of money in the long run.
But what does this mean for Tagovailoa’s future? While it may seem like a setback, being released by the Dolphins could actually be a blessing in disguise for the young quarterback. He will now have the opportunity to start fresh with a new team and prove himself all over again. And with his talent and potential, there is no doubt that he will find a new home in the NFL.
As for the Dolphins, they will now have to turn their attention to finding a new quarterback. With the third overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft, they have the opportunity to select one of the top quarterback prospects in the country. And with a new head coach in place in Brian Flores, the Dolphins will be looking to make a statement and turn their franchise around.
In the end, the decision to release Tagovailoa was a difficult one, but it was a necessary move for the Dolphins. They are now in a position to rebuild and potentially find their franchise quarterback. And for Tagovailoa, this could be the start of a new and successful chapter in his NFL career. Only time will tell, but one thing is for sure – the Miami Dolphins will always be grateful for the time and effort Tagovailoa put into the team.
