The Miami Dolphins have made a significant roster change by releasing quarterback Tua Tagovailoa. This bold decision will result in an extraordinary dead cap hit of $99 million, marking the highest in NFL history.
Background on Tua Tagovailoa
Tua Tagovailoa was selected fifth overall in the 2020 NFL Draft. He signed a lucrative contract extension worth $212 million just two years ago. Despite showing promise, including leading the league in passing yards and achieving a career-high of 29 touchdowns in 2023, his performance declined over the past season.
Reasons for the Release
The Dolphins’ decision follows a disappointing 7-10 season in 2025. This marked the second consecutive year the team failed to reach the playoffs. As a result, significant leadership changes occurred within the organization. General Manager Chris Grier was dismissed mid-season, and Head Coach Mike McDaniel was let go shortly after.
- 2023 Season: Led the league in passing yards.
- Disappointing Performance: Threw a career-high 15 interceptions last season.
- Change in Direction: Benched for rookie quarterback Quinn Ewers towards the end of the season.
Impact on Salary Cap
The Dolphins will incur a record-breaking $99 million in dead money against the salary cap due to this release. This surpasses the previous record of $85 million held by the Denver Broncos after they released Russell Wilson in 2024. If categorized as a post-June 1 release, the financial repercussions will be distributed over two years. Approximately two-thirds will affect the 2026 cap, with the remaining amount rolled over to 2027.
Future Considerations for the Dolphins
With the start of the 2026 league year approaching, the Dolphins are positioned to explore new quarterback options. The franchise is eager to transition and improve its performance, aiming to break the longest playoff win drought in the NFL, which currently stands at 25 years. General Manager Jon-Eric Sullivan conveyed gratitude for Tagovailoa’s contributions while emphasizing the need for a new direction at the quarterback position.
