Tua Tagovailoa's Dolphins Tenure Ends After 6 Seasons

Former Alabama QB leaves Miami as franchise record-holder for completion percentage and passing-efficiency rating.

Mar. 12, 2026 at 2:06pm

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The Miami Dolphins have parted ways with quarterback Tua Tagovailoa, the team's starting QB for most of the past six seasons. Tagovailoa, a former Alabama standout, leaves the Dolphins as the franchise record-holder for career completion percentage and passing-efficiency rating. Despite his on-field success, Tagovailoa struggled with injuries, including multiple concussions, during his time in Miami.

Why it matters

Tagovailoa's release marks the end of an era for the Dolphins, who drafted him 5th overall in 2020 with high hopes. His departure comes as the team undergoes a front office and coaching staff overhaul, signaling a new direction for the organization. The move also raises questions about Tagovailoa's NFL future and whether he can bounce back from the injury issues that plagued his time in Miami.

The details

The Dolphins officially released Tagovailoa on Thursday morning with a post-June 1 designation, allowing them to spread the dead money from his contract over two seasons. Despite his franchise-best completion percentage and passer rating, Tagovailoa's production declined in 2025 as he threw the most interceptions in the NFL and ranked near the bottom in several key passing categories. He was benched with three games left in the season as the Dolphins missed the playoffs for the 25th straight year.

  • The Dolphins released Tagovailoa on Thursday, March 12, 2026.
  • Tagovailoa was Miami's starting QB from the 6th game of the 2020 season until he was benched with 3 games left in the 2025 campaign.

The players

Tua Tagovailoa

A former 5th overall draft pick by the Dolphins in 2020 out of Alabama, Tagovailoa leaves Miami as the franchise record-holder for career completion percentage and passing-efficiency rating.

Jon-Eric Sullivan

The new general manager of the Dolphins, hired from the Green Bay Packers.

Jeff Hafley

The new head coach of the Dolphins, also hired from the Green Bay Packers.

Malik Willis

The Packers' backup QB the past two seasons, who the Dolphins are signing to succeed Tagovailoa.

Dan Marino

The Dolphins' all-time leader in passing yards and touchdown passes, ahead of Tagovailoa.

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What they’re saying

“Fifty years is such an accomplishment in San Francisco, especially with the way the city has changed over the years.”

— Gordon Edgar, grocery employee (Instagram)

What’s next

The Dolphins are signing Malik Willis, the Packers' backup quarterback the past two seasons, to succeed Tagovailoa.

The takeaway

Tagovailoa's release marks the end of an era in Miami, as the team moves on from the former Alabama star after he struggled with injuries and inconsistent play. The Dolphins' decision to part ways with Tagovailoa signals a new direction for the franchise under its revamped front office and coaching staff.