Quarterback Tua Tagovailoa has officially been released by the Miami Dolphins after six seasons—less than six months after he offloaded his sprawling Florida mansion in what may now be seen as anticipation of his exit from the team.
The 28-year-old NFL pro, who joined the Dolphins in 2020 as a rookie, will now become a free agent, with one early report from ESPN suggesting that he has already attracted interest from the Atlanta Falcons, who are said to be preparing to “pursue” Tagovailoa.
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His release marks a very costly move for the Dolphins, who signed the quarterback to a four-year, $212 million contract extension in 2024. Releasing him will therefore leave the Florida-based team with a record $99.2 million in dead money against the salary cap, per ESPN.
Sources told the outlet that Tagovailoa’s release will not be designated until after June 1, meaning that the Dolphins can split this sum over two years, paying him $67.4 million in 2026 and $27 million in 2027.
“As we move forward, we will be focused on infusing competition across the roster and establishing a strong foundation for this team as we work towards building a sustained winner,” Dolphins general manager Jon-Eric Sullivan said of the decision.
Quarterback Tua Tagovailoa has been released by the Miami Dolphins—months after he sold his sprawling Florida mansion. (Carmen Mandato/Getty Images)
“I recently informed Tua and his representation that we are going to move in a new direction at the quarterback position and will be releasing him after the start of the new league year. As I shared with Tua, I have great respect for the person and player he is.
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“On behalf of the Miami Dolphins, I expressed our gratitude for his many contributions, both on the field and in the community, during his six seasons.”
The NFL pro, who shares two children, son Ace and daughter Maisey, with his wife, Annah, responded to his release on Instagram, where he praised the team—and the city of Miami—for welcoming him and his family.
“From the moment I arrived, you believed in me, supported me, and embraced my family as your own. I was able to marry my wife and welcome both my kids to this world,” he wrote. “I was able to fortunately allow them to experience life from one I never got to growing up. Wearing this jersey and representing this city has been one of the greatest joys of my life.
“To the fans — your energy, loyalty, and passion meant everything. You lifted me up in the biggest moments and stood by me through the challenging ones. From my first start I had, to the first touchdown I threw I’m grateful for all of it.
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“My family and I felt your love every step of the way. I also carry deep regret that I couldn’t get the job done and bring a championship home to this city. Miami deserves that, and I’ll always wish I could have delivered it for you. As I prepare for the next chapter, I move forward with gratitude, faith, and memories I’ll cherish for a lifetime. South Florida will always hold a special place in my heart.”
The NFL star waas selected as the fifth overall pick in the 2020 NFL draft following a season-ending injury that cut short his triumphant career at Alabama.
In the 2024 season alone, he was absent from six games—two of which were the result of a hip injury, while the other four came after Tagovailoa suffered the third registered concussion of his NFL career.
After he suffered that concussion in September 2024, questions were raised about whether it was safe for the athlete to continue playing, with some going as far as to suggest that he should retire rather than risk any further harm to his health.
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The move to release him from the team comes just months after he sold his lakeside Florida mansion. The property traded hands on Sept. 29, 2025 for $2.6 million.
The 28-year-old NFL pro, who joined the Miami Dolphins in 2020, signed a four-year, $212 million deal in 2024. (Michael Owens/Getty Images)
The release of Tagovailoa’s contract comes just one year into his four-year extension, which means that the Dolphins have to pay the player $67.4 million in 2026 and $27 million in 2027. (Ethan Miller/Getty Images)
The move to release him from the team comes just months after he sold his lakeside Florida mansion. The property traded hands on Sept. 29, 2025 for $2.6 million. (Google Maps)
He put the longtime mansion in Davie, FL, on the market in April 2025, five years after buying it for $1.65 million.
The expansive property, which is described as a “stunning waterfront estate” in its listing, is located inside Long Lake Ranches, a gated community that sits about 25 minutes from Hard Rock Stadium in Miami, where the Dolphins play their home games.
Long Lake Ranches boasts a number of high-end amenities for residents to enjoy, including a fitness center; a clubhouse; nature and horseback trails; and pickleball, tennis, and basketball courts.
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There are, according to the community’s website, just 240 single-family homes inside the neighborhood, which is guarded 24 hours a day.
According to the listing, the home was “one of Long Lake Ranches’ most impressive lakefront lots,” offering 0.8 acres of land as well as “spectacular” water views.
It features five bedrooms and 4.5 bathrooms as well as a private movie theater, a putting green, an enormous pool, and an outdoor summer kitchen that can be used for entertaining year-round, thanks to Florida’s balmy climate.
The home is understood to have served as the football pro’s primary residence since he purchased it in 2020—the same year he was signed by the Dolphins—having sold his Alabama abode just days earlier.
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It’s currently unclear why Tagovailoa has opted to sell his lakefront hideaway; however, records indicate that he has not yet purchased another property in the area.
In the years since he moved into the home, the sports star has welcomed two children with his wife, Annah—a son named Ace, now 2, and a daughter, Maisey, now 1, so it may be that the family is on the hunt for somewhere with more space.