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

Miami moves on from 5-year starter, setting new NFL record for largest dead cap charge.

Published on Mar. 9, 2026

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The Miami Dolphins have announced they will be releasing quarterback Tua Tagovailoa, their primary starter for the last 5 1/2 seasons. The move will result in a $99 million dead cap hit, the largest in NFL history. Dolphins general manager Jon-Eric Sullivan said they are "moving in a new direction at the quarterback position" and thanked Tagovailoa for his contributions on and off the field during his six seasons with the team.

Why it matters

Tagovailoa was drafted by the Dolphins in 2020 to be their franchise quarterback, but he struggled at times and was benched late last season. The Dolphins' decision to move on from him signals a major shift in the team's direction under new leadership, as they look to rebuild at the most important position on the field.

The details

Tagovailoa, 28, went 44-32 as Miami's starter and dealt with concussions on multiple occasions. Over the last five seasons, he completed 68.6% of his passes, ranking 2nd in the league, while ranking 11th in passing yards and touchdowns. However, he threw a career-high 15 interceptions last season, leading to his benching. The Dolphins will take on a record $99 million dead cap hit by releasing Tagovailoa, more than double the previous record.

  • Tagovailoa was benched with 3 games remaining in the 2022 season.
  • The Dolphins announced they will release Tagovailoa on Monday, March 9, 2026.

The players

Tua Tagovailoa

A 28-year-old quarterback who was the Dolphins' primary starter for the last 5 1/2 seasons after being drafted 5th overall in 2020.

Jon-Eric Sullivan

The Dolphins' general manager who announced the team's decision to release Tagovailoa.

Jeff Hafley

The Dolphins' new head coach, who will lead the team in a new direction at quarterback.

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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 (kob.com)

“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 (kob.com)

“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 (kob.com)

What’s next

The Dolphins will now turn their attention to finding a new starting quarterback, either through the draft, free agency, or a trade. The team has the 7th overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft.

The takeaway

The Dolphins' decision to move on from Tua Tagovailoa, their former 5th overall draft pick, marks a major shift in the franchise's direction as they look to rebuild at the quarterback position. The $99 million dead cap hit they will incur is a steep price to pay, but the team evidently believes it's the best path forward after Tagovailoa's up-and-down tenure in Miami.