Tua Tagovailoa Released by Miami Dolphins
Tua Tagovailoa has officially been released by the Miami Dolphins, a decision that carries significant financial implications for the franchise. The Dolphins will incur an NFL-record $99.2 million in dead money due to this release, marking a pivotal moment in the team’s financial strategy.
Tagovailoa, who was the 2023 NFL passing yards leader, is set to sign a one-year deal with the Atlanta Falcons. This move comes after a challenging season where he threw for 2,660 yards, with 20 touchdowns and 15 interceptions in 2025, leading to a decline in his performance metrics.
The Dolphins’ decision to release Tagovailoa is part of a broader rebuild strategy, allowing them to initiate a search for a new quarterback. Jon-Eric Sullivan, a representative from the Dolphins, stated, “Everything is on the table with the quarterback, including the possibility of a trade.” This indicates the team’s willingness to explore various options as they move forward.
Tagovailoa’s release also allows the Dolphins to designate it as a post-June 1 cut, which could help mitigate some of the financial impacts. The decision follows a series of struggles for Tagovailoa, who has ranked 25th in QBR over the past two seasons and has faced ongoing challenges related to concussions throughout his career.
In Atlanta, Tagovailoa will compete for the starting quarterback position against Michael Penix Jr., who is currently recovering from a partially torn ACL. Penix Jr. is expected to be a strong contender, especially with the Falcons holding 8 picks in the 2024 NFL Draft.
Jon-Eric Sullivan expressed respect for Tagovailoa, stating, “As I shared with Tua, I have great respect for the person and player he is.” This sentiment reflects the complicated emotions surrounding his departure from Miami.
Despite the challenges faced in his final year with the Dolphins, Tagovailoa’s move to Atlanta could provide him with a fresh start, which some analysts believe he may benefit from. The upcoming season will be crucial for him as he seeks to revitalize his career.
As the Dolphins embark on their new quarterback search, the implications of Tagovailoa’s release will be closely monitored by fans and analysts alike. Details remain unconfirmed regarding the exact timeline for the Dolphins’ next steps in this transition.
