NFL Insider: Dolphins Likely to Release Tua Tagovailoa

Teams believe Miami will eventually cut ties with their QB1 due to his expensive contract.

Published on Feb. 21, 2026

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According to ESPN's Jeremy Fowler, NFL teams believe the Miami Dolphins will eventually have to release quarterback Tua Tagovailoa due to the $54 million in guaranteed money remaining on his contract. The Dolphins have been trying to trade Tagovailoa, but teams are reluctant to take on his hefty contract. If released, Tagovailoa could sign with another team for less money.

Why it matters

Tagovailoa's potential release would mark a significant shift for the Dolphins, who drafted him 5th overall in 2020 and had hoped he would be their long-term answer at quarterback. His struggles with injuries and inconsistent play over the past two seasons have led the team to explore moving on from him, which could have major implications for Miami's future at the QB position.

The details

Tagovailoa is under contract with the Dolphins until 2028, with over $50 million in guaranteed money remaining. His current contract carries a $56.3 million cap hit and a $99.2 million dead cap value, making it difficult for the team to trade him. The Dolphins are hoping to find a trade partner willing to take on a portion of that contract, but teams are reluctant to do so. If Miami is unable to trade Tagovailoa, they may have to release him, which would result in a more affordable $34.8 million dead cap hit in 2027.

  • Tagovailoa took a leap forward in 2023, leading the league with 4,624 passing yards and 29 touchdowns.
  • In 2025, Tagovailoa threw for 2,660 yards and 20 touchdowns in 14 games before being benched.

The players

Tua Tagovailoa

The Miami Dolphins' starting quarterback since 2020, who has struggled with injuries and inconsistent play over the past two seasons.

Mike McDaniel

The head coach of the Miami Dolphins, who has worked with Tagovailoa for the past two seasons.

Jeremy Fowler

An ESPN NFL insider who revealed the latest on Tagovailoa's contract situation with the Dolphins.

Adam Schefter

An ESPN NFL reporter who previously stated that there's a feeling Tagovailoa has played his last game in Miami.

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What they’re saying

“Well, people I've talked to around the league with other teams believe that Miami is going to have to eventually release to a Tua Tagovailoa, because of that $54 million in (contract) guarantees.”

— Jeremy Fowler, ESPN NFL Insider (ESPN)

“The hope would be that Miami could pull off a trade where a new team would take on and absorb a lot of that money, or at least a portion of it. Well, teams don't really want to do that, so they might wait this out see if they pay for it all.”

— Jeremy Fowler, ESPN NFL Insider (ESPN)

“Once Tagovailoa's contract is taken care of — the most important issue facing the Dolphins would be finding someone to replace him.”

— Adam Schefter, ESPN NFL Reporter (ESPN)

What’s next

The Dolphins will have to decide whether to trade, release, or keep Tua Tagovailoa on their roster for the 2026 season and beyond. If they release him, they will need to find a new starting quarterback to lead the team.

The takeaway

Tua Tagovailoa's future in Miami is uncertain, as the Dolphins may be forced to release him due to the high cost of his contract. This situation highlights the challenges teams face when trying to move on from a high-profile draft pick who has not lived up to expectations, and the importance of careful contract management in the NFL.