Tagovailoa’s 2025 season marked his worst statistical output since his rookie year, and he was benched after the Week 15 loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers on Monday Night Football. That setback could represent the last time he started a game for Miami, depending on how the offseason shakes out.
Marino, a Dolphins legend and special advisor, called Tagovailoa “excellent” and a “great guy,” while noting the roster’s unresolved status as a new coaching staff takes a full inventory of the quarterback room. He stressed that Miami will “evaluate everything all at one time,” leaving open the possibility of change.
The Hall of Famer also underscored the need for competition at quarterback, saying, “You have to have competition at that position,” without committing to any specific path or candidate beyond Tagovailoa remaining in the mix for now.
Malik Willis emerged as a frequent topic of discussion during Marino’s remarks, though Marino did not rule in or out his involvement. He said he isn’t in a position to comment on Willis versus other options, particularly since Willis remains under contract with the Green Bay Packers until free agency begins.
A significant hurdle for any decision to move on from Tagovailoa is his $56 million cap hit in 2026, which could deter teams from absorbing the contract without compensation. The Dolphins’ front office, now led by leadership with Green Bay ties, could face a delicate balancing act if a trade or release becomes feasible.
The Dolphins’ 2026 quarterback scenario remains the franchise’s biggest offseason question. If Tagovailoa is moved, it would mark the first time Miami has started a season with a different quarterback since 2020, when Ryan Fitzpatrick and Tagovailoa competed for the job. The path forward will hinge on cost, roster mood, and how the new staff evaluates the quarterback room.
