Dolphins Weighing Tua Tagovailoa's Future

GM says team will add QB competition, but Tua's $54M guaranteed salary complicates matters

Published on Feb. 13, 2026

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The Miami Dolphins are nearing a decision on the future of quarterback Tua Tagovailoa, with GM Jon-Eric Sullivan indicating the team will look to add competition at the position regardless of whether Tagovailoa remains on the roster. However, Tagovailoa's fully guaranteed $54 million salary for 2026 poses a challenge, as the Dolphins would face significant dead cap charges if they were to release or trade him.

Why it matters

The Dolphins' handling of the Tua Tagovailoa situation will have major implications for the team’s quarterback position and salary cap moving forward. With a new regime in place, the team must decide whether to keep Tagovailoa as the starter, trade him, or find a way to part ways while minimizing the financial impact.

The details

At a recent fan event, Dolphins GM Jon-Eric Sullivan said the team will be "infusing competition" into the quarterback room, whether Tagovailoa is part of it or not. Sullivan acknowledged having a "great conversation" with Tagovailoa and praised his play, but noted the team is "working through some things" regarding his future. Head coach Jeff Hafley echoed Sullivan’s comments, saying he had nothing to add. The Dolphins face a difficult decision, as they owe Tagovailoa $54 million fully guaranteed in 2026. Cutting or trading him would result in significant dead cap charges, potentially forcing the team to negotiate a "Brock Osweiler-style deal" to offload his contract.

  • The Dolphins must make a decision on Tua Tagovailoa's future before the start of the new league year on March 11, 2026.

The players

Jon-Eric Sullivan

The general manager of the Miami Dolphins.

Jeff Hafley

The head coach of the Miami Dolphins.

Tua Tagovailoa

The current starting quarterback for the Miami Dolphins.

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What they’re saying

“Of course, we'll be looking at other quarterbacks in this draft. And every draft hereafter. But, look, I've had — Tua was in my office the other day, if I'm being perfectly frank. We had a great conversation. Tua has been a very good player in this league. He's done a lot of really good things for the Miami Dolphins. You guys should be proud to have him and having had him.”

— Jon-Eric Sullivan, General Manager (nbcsports.com)

“We're getting close to a decision. And when we do, we'll let Tua know whether he's gonna be part of this or not, and we'll move forward. But you can rest assured that we will add competition to that room, one way or the other, to make it the best that we can.”

— Jon-Eric Sullivan, General Manager (nbcsports.com)

“Yeah, I don't think I need to add anything.”

— Jeff Hafley, Head Coach (nbcsports.com)

What’s next

The Dolphins must make a decision on Tua Tagovailoa's future before the start of the new league year on March 11, 2026.

The takeaway

The Dolphins face a complex situation with Tua Tagovailoa, as they must weigh the value he has provided against the financial burden of his fully guaranteed contract. Their decision will have significant implications for the team's quarterback room and salary cap moving forward.