Dolphins Weigh Options for Quarterback Tua Tagovailoa After Star Exits

Miami's new regime reportedly prefers to trade Tagovailoa, but a release is also possible.

Feb. 17, 2026 at 3:39am

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The Miami Dolphins are in flux after firing head coach Mike McDaniel and releasing star players Tyreek Hill and Bradley Chubb. Now, the team's new regime is reportedly weighing options for polarizing quarterback Tua Tagovailoa, who signed a lucrative contract extension less than two years ago. According to NFL insider Jordan Schultz, the Dolphins' 'preference' is to trade Tagovailoa this offseason, though a release is also possible.

Why it matters

Tagovailoa's future with the Dolphins has been a source of speculation for some time, especially after his injury-plagued 2024 season. The team's decision on how to handle the former first-round pick could have major implications for the franchise's direction under new leadership.

The details

Tagovailoa, who will turn 28 next month, has a hefty $56.3 million cap hit for the 2026 season. If the Dolphins release him before March 13, they would incur a $99.2 million dead cap charge. That figure rises slightly to $102.2 million if they wait until after March 13 but before June 1. A trade at any point before June 1 would mean a $45.2 million dead cap hit for Miami. Releasing Tagovailoa after June 1 would spread the $99.2 million dead cap over the next two seasons.

  • Tua Tagovailoa will turn 28 years old next month.
  • The Dolphins must decide on Tagovailoa's future before March 13, when his contract situation becomes more complicated.

The players

Tua Tagovailoa

The Miami Dolphins' polarizing quarterback who signed a four-year, $212.4 million contract extension less than two years ago.

Jeff Hafley

The new head coach of the Miami Dolphins, hired after the team fired Mike McDaniel.

Tyreek Hill

A star wide receiver who was recently released by the Dolphins.

Bradley Chubb

A star defensive player who was also recently released by the Dolphins.

Jordan Schultz

An NFL insider who reported on the Dolphins' preference to trade or release Tua Tagovailoa.

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What they’re saying

“A cut is possible in the end. But that has been their preference.”

— Jordan Schultz, NFL Insider

“My understanding is new regime doesn't want it to drag too long.”

— Jordan Schultz, NFL Insider

What’s next

The Dolphins must decide on Tagovailoa's future before March 13, when his contract situation becomes more complicated. A trade or release before that date would have different financial implications for the team.

The takeaway

The Dolphins' decision on Tua Tagovailoa's future will be a crucial one for the franchise as it enters a new era under head coach Jeff Hafley. The team's preference to move on from the former first-round pick highlights the uncertainty surrounding his long-term outlook in Miami.