Dolphins Release Quarterback Tua Tagovailoa

Tagovailoa thanks Miami fans in emotional farewell after six seasons with the team.

Published on Mar. 9, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

The Miami Dolphins have announced the release of quarterback Tua Tagovailoa, a move that will become official at the start of the new league year on Wednesday. Tagovailoa, the Dolphins' fifth overall pick in the 2020 NFL Draft, had an up-and-down tenure in Miami marked by impressive seasons but also multiple concussions that derailed his progress. In an emotional farewell message, Tagovailoa thanked the Dolphins organization and fans for their support during his six years with the team.

Why it matters

Tagovailoa's release is the most expensive cut in NFL history, with the Dolphins designating it as a post-June 1 move to split his $99 million in dead cap across two years. The decision signals the end of Tagovailoa's time as the Dolphins' starting quarterback and the beginning of a new era for the franchise as they search for their QB of the future.

The details

Tagovailoa, 28, was drafted by the Dolphins in 2020 and had some strong seasons, including leading the team to the playoffs in 2022 and leading the NFL in passing yards in 2023. However, his tenure was marred by multiple concussions, including three in 2022 and one in 2024. The Dolphins signed Tagovailoa to a four-year, $212.4 million extension in 2024, but it became clear last season that his time as the team's starting QB was coming to an end. Tagovailoa finished the 2025 season with 2,660 yards, 20 touchdowns, and 15 interceptions.

  • The Dolphins announced Tagovailoa's release on Monday, March 9, 2026.
  • Tagovailoa's release will become official at the start of the new league year on Wednesday, March 11, 2026 at 4 p.m. EST.

The players

Tua Tagovailoa

A 28-year-old quarterback who was the Dolphins' fifth overall pick in the 2020 NFL Draft and had an up-and-down tenure in Miami marked by impressive seasons but also multiple concussions.

Mike McDaniel

The Dolphins' since-fired head coach who was hired in February 2022 and helped unlock Tagovailoa's potential, leading the team to the playoffs in 2022.

Tyreek Hill

An All-Pro wide receiver who the Dolphins traded for in March 2022, helping Tagovailoa have his best season in 2023.

Jon-Eric Sullivan

The Dolphins' newly hired general manager who will now be tasked with an enormous rebuild, beginning with identifying the team's quarterback of the future.

Jeff Hafley

The Dolphins' newly hired head coach who will also be part of the team's rebuilding efforts.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“From the moment I arrived, you believed in me, supported me, and embraced my family as your own. I was able to marry my wife and welcome both my kids to this world. I was able to fortunately allow them to experience life from one I never got to growing up. Wearing this jersey and representing this city has been one of the greatest joys of my life.”

— Tua Tagovailoa (Instagram)

“You lifted me up in the biggest moments and stood by me through the challenging ones. From my first start I had, to the first touchdown I threw I'm grateful for all of it. My family and I felt your love every step of the way. I also carry deep regret that I couldn't get the job done and bring a championship home to this city. Miami deserves that, and I'll always wish I could have delivered it for you.”

— Tua Tagovailoa (Instagram)

What’s next

The Dolphins will now focus on identifying their quarterback of the future as they begin a rebuilding process under new general manager Jon-Eric Sullivan and head coach Jeff Hafley.

The takeaway

Tua Tagovailoa's release marks the end of an era for the Dolphins, who had high hopes for the former first-round pick but were ultimately derailed by his injury history. The team now faces the challenge of finding a new franchise quarterback to lead them back to the playoffs and beyond.