Dolphins Unsure on Tua's Future as QB Seeks New Home

Miami's new regime is noncommittal on keeping Tua Tagovailoa, but the writing is on the wall for the former first-round pick.

Published on Feb. 16, 2026

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The Miami Dolphins are seemingly ready to move on from quarterback Tua Tagovailoa, despite new general manager Jon-Eric Sullivan claiming the team is undecided on his future. Team owner Steve Ross has reportedly lost faith in Tagovailoa, who has struggled with injuries and inconsistent play during his six seasons in Miami. The Dolphins have several options to part ways with Tagovailoa, including a trade, release, or keeping him on the roster to compete for the starting job, but all involve significant financial implications.

Why it matters

Tagovailoa was a high draft pick for the Dolphins and was seen as a key part of the team's future, but his inability to stay healthy and produce at a high level has led the franchise to reevaluate their commitment to him. This decision will have major salary cap and roster implications for the Dolphins as they look to rebuild around a new quarterback.

The details

The Dolphins have several options to move on from Tagovailoa, each with their own financial considerations. They could release him outright, which would result in a $99.2 million cap hit in 2026. They could designate him as a post-June 1 cut, splitting the cap hit over two years. They could also keep him on the roster and allow him to compete for the starting job, or place him on injured reserve for the 2026 season. The most likely scenario is a trade, but the Dolphins would likely have to sweeten the deal by taking on some of Tagovailoa's $54 million in guaranteed money.

  • Tagovailoa was benched during the 2025 season due to inconsistent performance and lack of arm strength.
  • Tagovailoa signed a contract extension before the 2024 season that included $54 million in fully guaranteed money for 2026.

The players

Tua Tagovailoa

The 27-year-old quarterback has been the Dolphins' starter for the past six seasons, compiling a 44-32 record, two playoff appearances, and a Pro Bowl selection, but has struggled with injuries and inconsistent play.

Jon-Eric Sullivan

The Dolphins' new general manager, who told season-ticket holders the team is still deciding on Tagovailoa's future.

Steve Ross

The Dolphins' owner, who is reported to have lost faith and confidence in Tagovailoa before his benching last season.

Quinn Ewers

The rookie quarterback who took over as the Dolphins' starter for the final few games of the 2025 season after Tagovailoa was benched.

Brian Flores

The former Dolphins head coach who was dismissed in 2022, with Tagovailoa cited as a factor in his firing.

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What they’re saying

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

— Jon-Eric Sullivan, Dolphins General Manager (hawaiitribune-herald.com)

“I don't know what the future holds right now, and I told Tua that. We're working through some things. What I can tell you is we're going to infuse some competition into that room, whether Tua is part of that room, or isn't part of that room.”

— Jon-Eric Sullivan, Dolphins General Manager (hawaiitribune-herald.com)

What’s next

The Dolphins will need to decide on Tagovailoa's future before the start of the new league year in March, when they will have to either release him, trade him, or keep him on the roster.

The takeaway

The Dolphins' handling of the Tua Tagovailoa situation highlights the difficult decisions teams must make when a high draft pick fails to live up to expectations. Miami's options all involve significant financial implications, underscoring the challenges of moving on from a quarterback with a large guaranteed contract.