Dolphins Aim to Trade Tua Tagovailoa This Offseason

New GM Jon-Eric Sullivan wants to move on from the $99 million QB

Published on Feb. 8, 2026

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According to ESPN's Adam Schefter, the Miami Dolphins and their new general manager Jon-Eric Sullivan are hoping to find a trade partner for starting quarterback Tua Tagovailoa this offseason. Tagovailoa is owed $54 million guaranteed in 2023 and would carry $99 million in dead cap space if the team were to cut him, making a trade the only feasible path forward for Miami to move on from the former first-round pick.

Why it matters

The Dolphins are looking to shake things up under new leadership after the Mike McDaniel and Chris Grier era. Tua Tagovailoa's future in Miami has been uncertain, and this report indicates the team is ready to move on from the $99 million quarterback if they can find a trade partner willing to take on his contract.

The details

According to Schefter, the Dolphins "would like to explore trading Tua Tagovailoa" this offseason. Tagovailoa is owed $54 million guaranteed in 2023 and would carry $99 million in dead cap space if the team were to cut him, making a trade the only viable option for Miami to move on from the former first-round pick.

  • The Dolphins are looking to make changes this offseason under new general manager Jon-Eric Sullivan.

The players

Tua Tagovailoa

The Dolphins' starting quarterback who is owed $54 million guaranteed in 2023 and would carry $99 million in dead cap space if the team were to cut him.

Jon-Eric Sullivan

The new general manager of the Miami Dolphins, who is looking to shake things up from the previous Mike McDaniel and Chris Grier era.

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What they’re saying

“As the Miami Dolphins and Arizona Cardinals navigate the future with new head coaches, both teams would like to find trade partners for their starting quarterbacks. The Dolphins would like to explore trading Tua Tagovailoa...”

— Adam Schefter, ESPN Insider (ESPN)

What’s next

The Dolphins will need to find a trade partner willing to take on Tua Tagovailoa's $99 million contract, which will be a challenging task this offseason.

The takeaway

The Dolphins are ready to move on from Tua Tagovailoa and his massive contract, but finding a trade partner willing to take on that financial burden will be difficult. This offseason will be a pivotal one for the franchise as they look to reshape their roster under new leadership.