Dolphins Release Quarterback Tua Tagovailoa, Incur $99M Dead Cap Hit

The move comes less than two years after Tagovailoa signed a $212 million extension with the team.

Published on Mar. 9, 2026

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The Miami Dolphins are moving on from quarterback Tua Tagovailoa, releasing him after 5 1/2 seasons as the team's primary starter. The move will result in a $99 million dead cap hit, the largest in NFL history. Tagovailoa went 44-32 as Miami's starter, dealing with concussions and criticism at times, but never quite replicating his early career success.

Why it matters

Tagovailoa was drafted by the Dolphins to be their franchise quarterback, but the team has decided to move in a new direction at the position. This represents a significant shift for the organization, which has struggled to find stability at QB since the retirement of Dan Marino in 1999.

The details

The Dolphins will release Tagovailoa after the start of the new league year on Wednesday. If designated as a post-June 1 release, the $99 million dead cap hit will be split over two years. Tagovailoa, who turned 28 this month, led the league in passing yards in 2023 but threw a career-high 15 interceptions last season, leading to his benching for rookie Quinn Ewers with three games remaining.

  • Tagovailoa was drafted by the Dolphins in 2020.
  • Tagovailoa signed a $212 million extension with the Dolphins less than two years ago.
  • Tagovailoa was benched for Ewers with three games left in the 2023 season.
  • The Dolphins will release Tagovailoa after the start of the new league year on Wednesday, March 13, 2026.

The players

Tua Tagovailoa

The Dolphins' primary starting quarterback for the past 5 1/2 seasons, who went 44-32 as the team's starter but struggled with injuries and inconsistent play at times.

Jon-Eric Sullivan

The Dolphins' general manager, who informed Tagovailoa that the team will be moving in a new direction at quarterback and releasing him.

Jeff Hafley

The Dolphins' new head coach, who is overseeing the team's rebuilding efforts this offseason.

Mike McDaniel

The Dolphins' former head coach, who developed and supported Tagovailoa during his four years in Miami.

Brian Flores

The Dolphins' former head coach, who benched Tagovailoa several times as a rookie, leading to constant rumors about the team's commitment to him.

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What they’re saying

“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 in Miami.”

— Jon-Eric Sullivan, Dolphins General Manager (kbindependent.org)

“From the moment I arrived, you believed in me, supported me, and embraced my family as your own. I was able to marry my wife and welcome both my kids to this world. ... Wearing this jersey and representing this city has been one of the greatest joys of my life.”

— Tua Tagovailoa (kbindependent.org)

“I also carry deep regret that I couldn't get the job done and bring a championship home to this city. Miami deserves that, and I'll always wish I could have delivered it for you.”

— Tua Tagovailoa (kbindependent.org)

What’s next

The Dolphins will need to find a new starting quarterback to lead the team going forward, with the 28th different starter since Dan Marino's retirement in 1999.

The takeaway

Tua Tagovailoa's release represents a significant turning point for the Dolphins, who have struggled to find stability at the quarterback position for over two decades. The team's willingness to absorb a record-breaking $99 million dead cap hit underscores their desire to move in a new direction, as they continue their rebuilding efforts under new leadership.