The Miami Dolphins just turned a quiet Monday in February into a full-blown roster shake-up - and it’s clear this new regime isn’t here to tiptoe into change. In a series of bold moves, Miami released a handful of high-profile veterans, including edge rusher Bradley Chubb, wide receivers Tyreek Hill and Nick Westbrook-Ikhine, and offensive lineman James Daniels.
That’s not just a roster trim. That’s a statement.
For Dolphins fans, some level of turnover was expected - especially with the team’s cap situation needing serious attention. Chubb and Hill, in particular, had long been considered likely post-June 1 designations, moves that would provide much-needed financial relief.
But new general manager Jon-Eric Sullivan and head coach Jeff Hafley aren’t waiting around for the summer. They’re ripping off the band-aid now and signaling the start of a new era in South Florida.
And if Monday’s flurry of moves is any indication, the front office isn’t done yet. All signs point to quarterback Tua Tagovailoa being next in line.
After a rocky finish to the 2025 season - one that saw Tagovailoa benched down the stretch - the writing has been on the wall. His future in Miami has been the subject of speculation all offseason, but that situation may be coming to a head sooner than expected.
According to a recent report, the Dolphins are actively seeking a trade partner for Tagovailoa. And while a release remains on the table, the preference is clearly to move him via trade - and to do it quickly. The message from the new regime is clear: this won’t be a drawn-out saga.
The upcoming NFL Combine could serve as a key inflection point. That’s where conversations heat up, deals begin to take shape, and front offices start laying the groundwork for offseason moves. If Miami can find a suitor, the trade could come together in short order.
But here’s the challenge: Tagovailoa’s contract and recent performance don’t make him an easy sell. His value has taken a hit, and unless the Dolphins are willing to absorb a chunk of his salary or rework the financials, finding a team willing to take on the full deal might be a tough ask.
Still, the numbers tell a story. Trading Tagovailoa before June 1 would save Miami roughly $11 million in cap space.
Wait until after June 1, and that savings jumps to a staggering $42 million. But based on how aggressively Sullivan and Hafley are moving, it doesn’t sound like they’re interested in waiting around to maximize savings.
They want to move forward - and fast.
If a trade doesn’t materialize, a release seems inevitable. Either way, Tagovailoa’s time in Miami appears to be nearing its end.
His tenure has been filled with flashes of promise but ultimately fell short of expectations. And now, with a new leadership team in place, the Dolphins are clearly ready to turn the page.
Of course, moving on from a starting quarterback - especially one drafted to be the face of the franchise - comes with its own set of risks. But Miami has made its intentions clear.
This isn’t a soft reset. It’s a full-scale rebuild, and the Dolphins are clearing the deck to give themselves the flexibility to build it their way.
All that’s left is for owner Stephen Ross to give them the runway. Because this team isn’t just tweaking at the edges. They’re tearing it down to build something new - and they’re not wasting any time.