Tua Tagovailoa’s Future in Miami: Trade Market Cold, Contract Complicated
The Miami Dolphins are staring down a quarterback conundrum that’s growing harder to ignore. Despite the team’s willingness to absorb a sizable chunk of Tua Tagovailoa’s guaranteed salary, league insiders say there’s little to no trade market for the 27-year-old quarterback.
According to multiple team executives, the Dolphins’ attempts to shop Tagovailoa around have been met with skepticism - not just because of the money involved, but because of lingering concerns about his play, leadership, and long-term viability as a franchise QB.
One general manager put it bluntly: “That contract is untradeable.” Even with Miami reportedly open to eating a large portion of the $54 million guaranteed still owed to Tagovailoa, the interest just isn’t there. “I think they’re stuck with him, and he’s stuck with them,” the GM added.
That sentiment was echoed by another executive, who outlined what they described as a “four-pronged problem” when it comes to Tagovailoa’s value around the league.
1. Limited Deep Ball Threat, Lacking Playmaking Edge
The first issue? Questions about Tagovailoa’s ability to stretch the field and create off-script plays - two traits that have become must-haves in today’s quarterback landscape. While Tua has shown flashes of efficiency in a rhythm-based system, there’s a belief among evaluators that he doesn’t consistently threaten defenses vertically or improvise when the play breaks down.
2. Locker Room Concerns
The second concern is more internal - and arguably more difficult to quantify. According to the executive, Tagovailoa has struggled to command the locker room.
“Guys don’t respond to him and he doesn’t come off as genuine at all,” they said, drawing a comparison to the career arc of Robert Griffin III. Whether fair or not, perception matters in NFL front offices, especially when you’re investing in a player expected to lead a franchise.
3. Concussion History Remains a Red Flag
Third, there’s the matter of Tagovailoa’s concussion history. He’s suffered multiple documented head injuries during his time in the league, and for some teams, that alone is enough to take him off the board. In a league that’s become increasingly cautious about player safety - particularly at the quarterback position - durability and long-term health are huge factors in any personnel decision.
4. The Contract: A Massive Financial Anchor
Finally, there’s the contract. Tagovailoa is owed $54 million guaranteed in 2026, part of a four-year extension worth up to $212 million that included $167 million in guarantees.
That number alone would make teams pause. But the real kicker?
If the Dolphins were to release him, they’d be staring at a $99 million dead cap hit - the largest in NFL history.
That hit could be split over two seasons if Miami designates the move after June 1, which would soften the blow somewhat. With the NFL salary cap now eclipsing $300 million, the proportional impact would be similar to the $85 million dead cap hit Denver took when they moved on from Russell Wilson. Still, it’s a staggering number - and one that makes any move away from Tagovailoa incredibly complicated.
Dolphins Exploring Options, But the Path Isn’t Clear
Despite the uphill battle, the Dolphins have made it clear they intend to bring in competition at quarterback this offseason. Whether that’s a veteran backup, a developmental draft pick, or something more ambitious remains to be seen.
Tagovailoa’s journey with the Dolphins began in 2020, when he was selected fifth overall out of Alabama. He signed a rookie deal worth just over $30 million and earned a base salary of just over $1 million in the final year of that contract. Miami picked up his fifth-year option for 2024 at $23.17 million before extending him with the massive four-year deal.
In 2025, Tagovailoa started 14 games, completing 67.7% of his passes for 2,660 yards, 20 touchdowns, and 15 interceptions - a season that had its moments but ultimately left more questions than answers.
Where Do the Dolphins Go From Here?
The Dolphins are in a tough spot. They have a quarterback with some undeniable strengths - accuracy, quick processing, and experience in a high-octane offense - but also one with limitations that have become harder to overlook. Add in the massive contract and health concerns, and it’s clear why teams are hesitant to make a move.
For now, all signs point to Miami either riding it out with Tagovailoa or making a tough financial decision that could reshape their cap sheet for years to come. Either way, the Dolphins’ quarterback situation is one of the most intriguing - and complicated - storylines to watch this offseason.