Dolphins Facing Dilemma Over Tua Tagovailoa's Future

Miami may be stuck with the struggling QB due to his hefty contract.

Published on Feb. 21, 2026

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The Miami Dolphins have signaled they no longer view Tua Tagovailoa as their quarterback of the future, but getting out of his $54 million guaranteed contract could prove difficult. Former coach Mike McDaniel benched Tagovailoa late in the 2025 season, and the young QB struggled mightily, ranking 26th out of 28 qualifying QBs with a career-low 37.6 QBR and leading the NFL with 15 interceptions.

Why it matters

The Dolphins' new decision-makers didn't invest in Tagovailoa, making it less likely they'll want to keep him around. However, the team would face massive salary cap charges if they cut or trade him before his $14 million option bonus is due in March. This puts the Dolphins in a tough spot as they try to move on from the former first-round pick.

The details

According to ESPN's Aaron Schatz, "Most teams consider his $54 million in guarantees untradable unless the Dolphins cover a significant portion of the contract." The Dolphins would take a $99.2 million salary cap hit if they cut Tagovailoa before the option bonus is due.

  • Tagovailoa was benched with three games left in the 2025 season.
  • Tagovailoa's $14 million option bonus is due on March 13, 2026.

The players

Tua Tagovailoa

The Miami Dolphins' struggling quarterback who is owed $54 million in guaranteed money.

Mike McDaniel

The former head coach of the Miami Dolphins who benched Tagovailoa late in the 2025 season.

Aaron Schatz

An ESPN writer who reported on the Dolphins' dilemma with Tagovailoa's contract.

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What they’re saying

“Most teams consider his $54 million in guarantees untradable unless the Dolphins cover a significant portion of the contract.”

— Aaron Schatz, ESPN Writer (ESPN)

“The Dolphins would get hit with $99.2 million in salary cap charges if they cut Tagovailoa before he receives a $14 million option bonus on March 13.”

— Aaron Schatz, ESPN Writer (ESPN)

What’s next

The Dolphins will have to decide whether to keep Tua Tagovailoa and his hefty contract or try to trade him, likely having to eat a significant portion of the deal.

The takeaway

The Dolphins are in a difficult position with Tua Tagovailoa, as they appear ready to move on from the struggling quarterback but face massive salary cap implications if they cut or trade him. This highlights the challenges teams can face when trying to part ways with high-priced players who have not lived up to expectations.