The Miami Dolphins, amid a busy Monday of moves to clear cap space, released key veterans including Bradley Chubb, Tyreek Hill, Nick Westbrook-Ikhine, and James Daniels. With Hill’s departure, attention quickly shifts to quarterback Tua Tagovailoa and the team’s long-term plans at the position.
Tagovailoa, who was benched late in the 2025 season in favor of rookie Quinn Ewers, remains at the center of Miami’s offseason discussions. Reports indicate the Dolphins’ preference is to trade Tagovailoa, a path that could save cap room, though a release remains a possibility if a suitable trade partner cannot be found. Tagovailoa is under contract for three years remaining on a $212.5 million deal, including substantial dead-money implications if released.
The new Dolphins regime faces a complex dilemma: pursue a trade that yields value while mitigating financial repercussions, or move on with a release that would create significant dead-cap obligations. With Hill now out of the offense, the leverage and market for Tagovailoa will be closely watched as the team seeks to balance immediate roster needs with long-term financial strategy.
Miami selected Tagovailoa fifth overall in 2020, and he posted a career year in 2023 with a league-leading 4,624 passing yards and 29 touchdowns. However, inconsistency and concussion concerns contributed to the recent downturn, complicating how easily the team can move on from him. As the offseason progresses, Dolphins observers will await updates on Tagovailoa’s status and the likelihood of a trade versus release.
