The Miami Dolphins have been one of the busiest teams of the offseason so far. New general manager John-Eric Sullivan isn't afraid to make tough decisions, even if it means moving away from the cornerstones of the former franchise. The Dolphins have already traded away two Pro Bowl players in Tyreek Hill and Bradley Chubb this offseason. Minkah Fitzpatrick is also reportedly on the trade block.
Meanwhile, Tua Tagovailoa has long been rumored to be on the chopping block, yet Miami is trying to trade the former Pro Bowl quarterback instead.
Still, ESPN's NFL insider Dan Graziano is "hopeful" the Dolphins will waive Tagovailoa instead. In other words, the Dolphins have not been able to find a trade partner for Tagovailoa, who has a $56.2 million cap hit for 2026.
"I expect Miami to release Tagovailoa by the third day of the league year (when $3 million of his 2027 salary becomes fully guaranteed). The Dolphins will almost certainly designate him a post-June 1 release to help recoup some of the $99.2 million in dead money it will cost to release him."
ESPN's Dan Graziano on Tua Tagovailoa
Tagovailoa is coming off the worst season of his career after throwing a career-high 15 interceptions. However, the 28-year-old is still seen as someone who can potentially return to his top form with a change in scenario. Now hopefully the Dolphins give him the same opportunity that Murray is getting from the Cardinals.
Tagovailoa led the NFL in completion percentage in 2024, and had his only Pro Bowl season in 2023, when he led all passers with 4,624 yards. Certainly, another team would be eager to take a chance on him getting back on top, especially since it would likely come at a significantly lower rate than the veteran's minimum contract.
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