MIAMI, Fla. (CBS12) — The Miami Dolphins announced on Monday morning that they will be releasing quarterback Tua Tagovailoa.
“I recently informed Tua and his representation that we are going to move in a new direction at the quarterback position,” the statement read.
According to the Miami Dolphins, Tagovailoa will be released after the start of the new league year.
The release will carry a massive financial impact, leaving Miami with a record $99.2 million in dead salary cap money.
The move will be processed with a post–June 1 designation, allowing the cap charge to be divided over two seasons. The Dolphins will absorb $67.4 million in 2026 and $31.8 million in 2027, surpassing the previous league record set by the Denver Broncos when they released Russell Wilson.
General manager Jon-Eric Sullivan said the organization is choosing to go in a new direction at quarterback while attempting to reshape the roster. Tagovailoa also shared a message thanking the franchise and South Florida fans, calling his time with the team a meaningful chapter of his career.
Miami selected Tagovailoa fifth overall in the 2020 NFL Draft out of the University of Alabama. His best season came in 2023 under head coach Mike McDaniel, when he led the NFL with 4,624 passing yards and helped guide the Dolphins to the playoffs.
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His future with the team came into question after the 2025 season, when he was benched for the final three games following a career-high 15 interceptions. With the Dolphins now resetting at quarterback, the team is expected to look toward both the 2026 NFL Draft and free agency for potential replacements.