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Miami Gardens Today
By the People, for the People
Tagovailoa Cut by Miami, Joins Atlanta
Dolphins move on from former first-round pick, sign young QB Malik Willis
Published on Mar. 10, 2026
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The Miami Dolphins have released quarterback Tua Tagovailoa and signed former third-round pick Malik Willis to be their new starting QB. Tagovailoa, the Dolphins' first-round selection in 2020, struggled with injuries and inconsistent play during his three seasons in Miami. The team has decided to move in a different direction at the position, parting ways with the 25-year-old Tagovailoa and bringing in the 24-year-old Willis, who was recently cut by the Atlanta Falcons.
Why it matters
This marks a major shift in the Dolphins' quarterback plans after investing heavily in Tagovailoa just a few years ago. The move signals the team's belief that Willis, a mobile and strong-armed passer, gives them a better chance to compete in the AFC East. It also raises questions about Tagovailoa's future in the NFL after his up-and-down tenure in Miami.
The details
Tagovailoa was the 5th overall pick in the 2020 NFL Draft but never fully lived up to his draft status in Miami. He missed significant time due to injuries and had a career passer rating of just 87.1 over 31 games. The Dolphins will save $23.2 million in salary cap space by releasing him. Meanwhile, Willis was a third-round pick of the Falcons in 2022 but was let go after one season. The Dolphins are hoping a change of scenery will help unlock the potential that made him an intriguing prospect coming out of Liberty University.
- Tagovailoa was drafted by the Dolphins in the 1st round (5th overall) in 2020.
- Tagovailoa was released by the Dolphins on March 10, 2026.
- Willis was signed by the Dolphins on March 10, 2026 after being released by the Falcons.
The players
Tua Tagovailoa
A 25-year-old quarterback who was the 5th overall pick by the Miami Dolphins in the 2020 NFL Draft but struggled with injuries and inconsistent play during his three seasons in Miami.
Malik Willis
A 24-year-old quarterback who was a third-round pick of the Atlanta Falcons in 2022 but was recently released and has now signed with the Miami Dolphins.
Miami Dolphins
The NFL team based in Miami Gardens, Florida that has decided to move on from Tua Tagovailoa and sign Malik Willis as their new starting quarterback.
What they’re saying
“We felt it was time to go in a different direction at the quarterback position. Malik has a lot of potential and we're excited to see what he can do in our offense.”
— Chris Grier, General Manager, Miami Dolphins (Dolphins.com)
“I'm grateful for the opportunity the Dolphins gave me, but I'm ready for a fresh start. I can't wait to get to work in Atlanta and show what I can do.”
— Tua Tagovailoa (ESPN)
What’s next
The Dolphins will hold a press conference on Monday to officially introduce Malik Willis as their new starting quarterback.
The takeaway
This move signals a major shift in the Dolphins' quarterback plans as they move on from their former first-round pick Tua Tagovailoa in favor of the younger and more mobile Malik Willis. It remains to be seen if Willis can unlock his potential and solidify the QB position for Miami going forward.
