Dolphins GM Hints at Tua Tagovailoa's Uncertain Future

Miami's GM says a decision on the QB's status is coming soon as trade rumors swirl.

Published on Feb. 13, 2026

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Miami Dolphins general manager Jon-Eric Sullivan suggested Thursday that he is nearing a resolution on quarterback Tua Tagovailoa's future with the organization. Sullivan praised Tagovailoa's accomplishments but said the team will add competition to the quarterback room "one way or the other." The Dolphins signed Tagovailoa to a lucrative extension in 2024, but his struggles in 2025 led to him being benched for the final three games of the season.

Why it matters

Tagovailoa's future in Miami has been a source of speculation for months, with reports that the team is open to trading him. The Dolphins' decision on Tagovailoa could have major implications for the team's quarterback situation and their plans for the 2026 NFL Draft.

The details

Sullivan said the team is "getting close to a decision" on Tagovailoa's status and will let him know "whether he's gonna be part of this or not." The Dolphins GM praised Tagovailoa's play but made it clear the team will add competition at quarterback, either with Tagovailoa or by trading him. Miami signed Tagovailoa to a four-year, $212.4 million deal in 2024, and moving on from him before June 1 would result in a record-setting $99 million in dead money.

  • In 2024, the Dolphins signed Tua Tagovailoa to a four-year, $212.4 million contract extension.
  • In 2025, Tagovailoa struggled, going 6-8 as a starter and being benched for the final three games of the season.
  • On Thursday, Dolphins GM Jon-Eric Sullivan said the team is nearing a decision on Tagovailoa's future.

The players

Jon-Eric Sullivan

The general manager of the Miami Dolphins.

Tua Tagovailoa

The starting quarterback for the Miami Dolphins, who has been with the team since being drafted 5th overall in 2020.

Mike McDaniel

The former head coach of the Miami Dolphins, who was replaced by Jeff Hafley.

Quinn Ewers

A rookie seventh-round pick who started the final three games of the 2025 season for the Dolphins.

Malik Willis

A top free-agent quarterback expected to be available this offseason.

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What they’re saying

“But we're getting close to a decision. And when we do, we'll let Tua know whether he's gonna be part of this or not, and we'll move forward. But you can rest assured that we will add competition to that room, one way or the other, to make it the best that we can.”

— Jon-Eric Sullivan, Dolphins General Manager (Pro Football Talk)

“Tua has been a very good player in this league. He's done a lot of really good things for the Miami Dolphins. You guys should be proud to have him and having had him.”

— Jon-Eric Sullivan, Dolphins General Manager (Pro Football Talk)

What’s next

The Dolphins will need to decide whether to keep Tua Tagovailoa as their starting quarterback or trade him this offseason. If they trade him, they will need to find a replacement, either through free agency or the 2026 NFL Draft.

The takeaway

Tua Tagovailoa's future in Miami is uncertain, with the Dolphins' new regime signaling they are open to moving on from the former first-round pick. This decision could have major implications for the team's quarterback situation and their plans for the upcoming draft.