Dolphins Weigh Options on Tua Tagovailoa Trade

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The Miami Dolphins are facing a difficult decision regarding quarterback Tua Tagovailoa. After signing him to a lucrative contract extension, the team now finds itself in a bind, as releasing Tagovailoa would result in a record $99.2 million in dead money against the 2026 salary cap. The Dolphins are exploring trade options, but Tagovailoa's contract makes it challenging to find a willing partner, with the team likely needing to eat a significant portion of his salary to facilitate a deal.

Why it matters

The Tagovailoa situation highlights the risks teams face when committing long-term to young quarterbacks. The Dolphins' decision to extend Tagovailoa now appears to have been premature, and they must find a way to recoup value while minimizing the financial impact on their salary cap.

The details

Releasing Tagovailoa outright would cost the Dolphins $99.2 million in dead money, an untenable situation. Trading him would still result in $45.2 million in dead money, but would provide $11 million in cap relief. The Dolphins would need to be willing to take on a significant portion of Tagovailoa's salary to entice potential trade partners, and the team is likely to receive only a late Day 3 draft pick in return.

• The Dolphins signed Tua Tagovailoa to a contract extension in 2025.

What’s next

The Dolphins will need to determine the best course of action, whether that is trading Tagovailoa and absorbing the significant dead money hit, or finding a way to keep him on the roster and hope he can regain his form.