Dolphins release Tua Tagovailoa: The Miami Dolphins have decided to move on from quarterback Tua Tagovailoa. The team said it will release him when the new NFL league year begins. After that Tagovailoa will become a free agent and can sign with another team.
Miami general manager Jon-Eric Sullivan shared the news in a statement on March 9. He said, “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.” He also said, “As I shared with Tua, I have great respect for the person and player he is. 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 in Miami.”
The move will cost the Dolphins a lot of money. The team will have $99.2 million in dead money on its salary cap after releasing him. Reports say Miami will spread that amount across two seasons by using a post-June 1 release rule.
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Tagovailoa’s journey with the Dolphins started during the well known “Tank for Tua” rebuilding phase when the team hoped to draft him. Now that chapter ends as the franchise looks for a new direction at quarterback.
Coaching Changes
Many people expected this move after big changes inside the Dolphins organization earlier this year. The team fired head coach Mike McDaniel on January 8. Before that the Dolphins had already parted ways with general manager Chris Grier on October 31.
After these changes the franchise brought in new leaders. Jeff Hafley, who worked as the Green Bay Packers defensive coordinator, became the new head coach. Jon-Eric Sullivan, who was the vice president of player personnel, was promoted to general manager.
Tagovailoa’s future with the team became uncertain when he was benched before Week 16 last season. After the season ended he seemed open to leaving Miami. When asked about a possible fresh start he said, “That would be dope. I would be good with it.”
The former Alabama quarterback was selected by the Dolphins with the fifth overall pick in the 2020 NFL Draft. Injuries affected his time with the team and he missed at least one game in five of his six seasons. Concussions were the biggest concern as he suffered four documented ones during his career, including three in the NFL.
Despite those injury issues Miami still gave him a big contract before the 2024 season. The deal was worth $212.4 million for four years with an average value of $53.1 million per year and more than $167.1 million guaranteed.
During his time with the Dolphins he started 76 games and had a 44-32 record. He completed about 68% of his passes and threw 120 touchdowns along with 59 interceptions.
Other Big NFL Moves around the League
The Dallas Cowboys are expected to trade for pass rusher Rashan Gary from the Green Bay Packers. The deal will become official when the 2026 league year begins. Dallas will reportedly send a late round pick in the 2027 draft. Gary, 28, will join some familiar faces in Dallas including former Packers teammate Kenny Clark and defensive coordinator Christian Parker, who worked with him in 2019.
Gary still has two years left on his contract. He will earn $18 million in 2026 and $21 million in 2027. During seven seasons with Green Bay he recorded 46.5 sacks, 46 tackles for loss and 111 quarterback hits in 106 games. He was also selected to the Pro Bowl in 2024.
Meanwhile the Houston Texans signed right guard Ed Ingram to a three year contract worth $37.5 million, with $23.5 million guaranteed. Ingram joined Houston from Minnesota in March 2025 and started 14 games last season.
Jets, Raiders and Chiefs make moves
The New York Jets have improved their defense by trading for safety Minkah Fitzpatrick from the Miami Dolphins. In return Miami will get a seventh round pick in the 2026 draft that originally belonged to the Los Angeles Chargers.
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Fitzpatrick is a five time Pro Bowl player and will sign a three year contract worth $40 million with the Jets. He had one year left on his Miami deal worth $15.6 million but that amount was not guaranteed. In his career he has recorded 21 interceptions including six in 2022 which was the most in the league. The Jets hope he will help their defense after the team finished the 2025 season without recording a single interception.
The Las Vegas Raiders also made a defensive move by trading for cornerback Taron Johnson from the Buffalo Bills. Las Vegas will also receive a seventh round draft pick while Buffalo will get a sixth round pick in this year’s draft. Johnson played 13 games last season and started eight of them at nickel cornerback. He finished the year with 57 tackles and four passes defended. He also played one playoff game and made eight tackles.
At the same time Kansas City Chiefs star tight end Travis Kelce is still deciding about his future. Kelce has played 13 seasons with the Chiefs and will turn 37 in October. He recently completed a two year contract worth $34.25 million. The veteran has made 11 Pro Bowls and has been named first team All-Pro four times. Reports say he may speak with other teams if he decides to keep playing.
Chiefs general manager Brett Veach spoke about the situation earlier this year and said, “We’ve kind of prepared for either scenario. We’re trying to position ourselves that either way, we have a plan moving forward.”
