Dolphins Reveal Tua Tagovailoa's $55.4M Dead Cap Charge After $99.2M Release

Miami will spread out the financial impact of Tua's release over 2026 and 2027 seasons.

Mar. 12, 2026 at 3:38pm

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The Miami Dolphins have released quarterback Tua Tagovailoa, who was initially reported to carry a $67 million dead cap charge in 2026. However, the team has exercised Tua's 2026 option bonus, reducing the dead cap hit to $55.4 million in 2026 and $43.8 million in 2027, giving the Dolphins more financial flexibility this offseason.

Why it matters

Tua Tagovailoa's release was a major move for the Dolphins this offseason, and the details of the financial impact were crucial for the team's roster construction going forward. By spreading out the dead cap hit over two seasons, Miami can better manage its salary cap and build around new quarterback Malik Willis.

The details

The Dolphins initially reported that Tua Tagovailoa's release would result in a $67 million dead cap charge in 2026. However, the team has now revealed that by exercising Tua's 2026 option bonus, the dead cap hit will be $55.4 million in 2026 and $43.8 million in 2027, giving the Dolphins more flexibility to build their roster this offseason.

  • Tua Tagovailoa was released by the Dolphins on March 12, 2026.

The players

Tua Tagovailoa

Former starting quarterback for the Miami Dolphins who was released in March 2026.

Malik Willis

The Dolphins' new starting quarterback after the release of Tua Tagovailoa.

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What they’re saying

“Some news, per source, The Dolphins exercised Tua's 2026 option bonus prior to his release. So his dead cap charge on Dolphins 2026 books will be $55.4M (as opposed to $67M). His dead cap charge will be $43.8M in 2027. Gives Dolphins a lot more flexibility beginning June 2.”

— Barry Jackson, Reporter

What’s next

The Dolphins will now have more salary cap flexibility to build their roster around new quarterback Malik Willis for the 2026 season.

The takeaway

The Dolphins' decision to exercise Tua Tagovailoa's 2026 option bonus prior to his release was a smart move, as it reduces their dead cap hit in 2026 and gives them more financial flexibility to construct their roster this offseason around their new starting QB Malik Willis.