Dolphins to Take on $99.2M Dead Cap Charge After Cutting Tua Tagovailoa

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The Miami Dolphins are moving on from quarterback Tua Tagovailoa, but his contract will still be a significant burden on the team's salary cap for the next two seasons. The Dolphins will incur a record $99.2 million in dead cap charges after cutting Tagovailoa, who had signed a $212 million extension with the team less than two years ago. This charge tops the previous high of $85 million that the Denver Broncos took when they released Russell Wilson in 2022.

Why it matters

The Dolphins' decision to move on from Tagovailoa so quickly after signing him to a lucrative extension highlights the challenges teams face when committing long-term to young quarterbacks. The massive dead cap hit will significantly limit Miami's financial flexibility over the next two seasons as they look to rebuild their roster around a new signal-caller.

The details

The Dolphins will be able to split the $99.2 million dead cap charge over the 2026 and 2027 seasons if they designate Tagovailoa as a post-June 1 cut. However, the charge will still be a significant burden on their salary cap. In addition to the prorated signing bonus money, the Dolphins are also still responsible for $54 million in guaranteed salary owed to Tagovailoa for 2026. Tagovailoa has already agreed to a one-year deal with the Atlanta Falcons, which will provide some salary cap relief to Miami.

• The Dolphins announced their plans to cut Tua Tagovailoa on Monday, March 11, 2026.
• Tagovailoa's $212 million extension with the Dolphins was signed less than two years ago, in the 2024 offseason.

What’s next

The Dolphins will need to find a new starting quarterback for the 2026 season, with the massive dead cap charge limiting their options in free agency and the draft.