The Dolphins are releasing quarterback Tua Tagovailoa following the start of the new league year on Wednesday, a decision that will create an NFL-record $99.2 million in dead money against the salary cap.
Miami will designate Tagovailoa’s release as a post-June 1 move, allowing it to split the dead money hit between $67.4 million this year and $31.8 million more in 2027. Tagovailoa signed a four-year, $212.4 million extension in July 2024, including $167 million in guaranteed money, but after middling on-field results and a series of injuries, the Dolphins have decided to move on at the sport’s most important position.
“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,” said Dolphins GM Jon-Eric Sullivan. “As I shared with Tua, I have great respect for the person and player he is. … 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.”
The Dolphins have just three playoff appearances since 2009, and no postseason wins since 2000—a run that has led the franchise to install Sullivan as the new GM and Jeff Hafley as the new head coach this offseason. The Tagovailoa cap hit, meanwhile, raced past the $85 million one after the Broncos released Russell Wilson two years ago.
Big Week Ahead
The Tagovailoa news highlighted the beginning of a 52-hour legal tampering period in which teams can start negotiating with the agents of players who will become unrestricted free agents.
No contracts can be signed during that initial window, and teams are also prohibited from speaking directly with players—except for a limited exception allowing a single video or phone call with up to five free agents.
The initial window, however, allows teams to begin roster planning, advance salary cap strategies ahead of Wednesday, when all teams must be cap-compliant, and minimize back-door negotiations around the league.
Other key players that will be available include running back Kenneth Walker III, wide receiver Mike Evans, edge rusher Trey Hendrickson, and quarterbacks Kyler Murray and Kirk Cousins.
Teams will have additional financial room to work with after the NFL set the 2026 salary cap at $301.2 million per team, a record amount and $22 million more than the 2025 level.
