Dolphins Face $99M Decision on Pro Bowl QB Tua Tagovailoa

New head coach Jeff Hafley must determine the future of the team's starting quarterback.

Feb. 4, 2026 at 4:15pm

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The Miami Dolphins enter the 2026 NFL season with a new head coach, Jeff Hafley, but the same big question looming over the franchise: What to do with Pro Bowl quarterback Tua Tagovailoa. Tagovailoa was benched towards the end of last season after struggling throughout the campaign, raising doubts about his long-term future with the team.

Why it matters

The Dolphins have a major decision to make on Tagovailoa's $99 million contract option for 2027. Deciding whether to pick up that option or move on from the former first-round pick will have significant implications for the team's direction and salary cap situation going forward.

The details

Tagovailoa, a former first-round pick, was benched in favor of the team's backup quarterback late last season after dealing with glaring issues all campaign long. The Dolphins now must determine if Tagovailoa is still their long-term answer at the position or if they need to move in a different direction under new head coach Jeff Hafley.

  • Tagovailoa was benched towards the end of the 2025 NFL season.

The players

Tua Tagovailoa

The Miami Dolphins' starting quarterback who was benched late in the 2025 season after struggling throughout the year.

Jeff Hafley

The new head coach of the Miami Dolphins, tasked with evaluating the team's quarterback situation and determining the future of Tua Tagovailoa.

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What’s next

The Dolphins must decide by the start of the 2026 league year whether to pick up Tagovailoa's $99 million contract option for 2027.

The takeaway

The Dolphins' decision on Tua Tagovailoa's future will have major implications for the team's salary cap and long-term direction. New head coach Jeff Hafley must carefully evaluate Tagovailoa's performance and potential before making a decision that could shape the franchise for years to come.