Dolphins QB Tua Tagovailoa Linked to Surprising Trade Destination

The Miami Dolphins may be willing to trade Tua Tagovailoa, and the Atlanta Falcons could be a potential landing spot.

Published on Feb. 27, 2026

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The Miami Dolphins are reportedly open to trading quarterback Tua Tagovailoa, and the Atlanta Falcons have emerged as a surprising potential trade destination. The Falcons are looking to upgrade their quarterback situation, and Tagovailoa could provide them with a Pro Bowl-level QB at a discounted price.

Why it matters

Tagovailoa has struggled to lead the Dolphins to deep playoff runs since being drafted fifth overall in 2020. With a new head coach and general manager in Miami, the team may be looking to move on from the young QB. The Falcons, meanwhile, are looking to bounce back after a disappointing season and could view Tagovailoa as an upgrade over their current options.

The details

The Dolphins are reportedly willing to pay part of Tagovailoa's salary to make a trade more enticing for a suitor. Tagovailoa is set to make $54 million in guaranteed money this year. In 2022, he threw for 2,660 yards and 20 touchdowns, but also had 15 interceptions in 14 games played. The Falcons, who have Michael Penix Jr. as their starting QB, could view Tagovailoa as an upgrade over their current options, including veteran Kirk Cousins.

  • The Dolphins moved on from head coach Mike McDaniel after the 2022 season.
  • The Falcons hired Kevin Stefanski as their new head coach this offseason.

The players

Tua Tagovailoa

The Miami Dolphins' starting quarterback since being drafted fifth overall in 2020.

Michael Penix Jr.

The Atlanta Falcons' starting quarterback, who is recovering from a partially torn ACL suffered in Week 1 of the 2022 season.

Kirk Cousins

The veteran quarterback who served as Michael Penix Jr.'s backup with the Falcons in 2022.

Jon-Eric Sullivan

The new general manager of the Miami Dolphins.

Jeff Hafley

The new head coach of the Miami Dolphins, hired after previously working with Jon-Eric Sullivan in Green Bay.

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What they’re saying

“Tua Tagovailoa could make good sense for the Atlanta Falcons to acquire in a deal. The Falcons have Michael Penix Jr. as their star quarterback, who is still in the rehabilitation process for the partially torn ACL he suffered in Week 1.”

— Moe Moton, Bleacher Report Writer (Bleacher Report)

What’s next

The Dolphins will need to decide if they are willing to trade Tua Tagovailoa and how much of his salary they are willing to pay to facilitate a deal. The Falcons will need to evaluate if Tagovailoa is an upgrade over their current quarterback options and if they are willing to take on his contract.

The takeaway

This potential trade highlights the ongoing quarterback carousel in the NFL, as teams are always looking to upgrade their signal-callers. The Dolphins may be ready to move on from Tua Tagovailoa, while the Falcons could view him as a way to solidify their QB position and make a push for the playoffs.