The Miami Dolphins are heading into the 2026 season with a new head coach in Jeff Hafley, but the biggest question still looming over the franchise isn’t who’s calling plays on the sideline - it’s what to do with quarterback Tua Tagovailoa.
Tua, a former Pro Bowler and once the face of Miami’s future, was benched late last season in favor of rookie Quinn Ewers. That move wasn’t just about a rough stretch of play - it felt like a signal. A signal that the Dolphins may be preparing to turn the page on the Tua era.
But here’s the catch: turning that page won’t be easy. Tua’s contract is a major hurdle.
Cutting him outright would saddle Miami with a staggering $99.2 million in dead money over the next two years. That’s not just a tough pill to swallow - that’s a full-blown financial gut punch.
Still, with a new coaching staff and front office in place, the Dolphins may be ready to make bold moves. A full reset often means making hard decisions, and moving on from a quarterback - even one as talented as Tua - might be part of that process.
So, what are the options?
If Miami were to cut Tua before June 1, they’d be on the hook for $45 million in dead cap this year, while only saving $11 million. That’s the kind of math that makes general managers lose sleep.
But if they wait until after June 1 to make a move - and find a trade partner - the picture changes. A post-June 1 trade would allow the Dolphins to save $42 million and eat just $13 million in dead money.
That’s a much more manageable scenario, but it hinges on one big question: is there a team out there willing to take on Tua’s contract?
That’s where things get tricky. Tua still has upside - he’s accurate, has experience, and when healthy, can run an offense with rhythm and tempo.
But his inconsistency last season and the size of his deal make him a tough sell. Teams like the Jets or Cardinals could be potential fits if they move on from their current quarterbacks, but that’s a big if.
And the market for high-cost quarterbacks coming off a benching isn’t exactly red hot.
So here’s where the Dolphins stand: they’ve got a new coach, a potential quarterback of the future in Ewers, and a veteran starter with a complicated contract and an uncertain role. It’s a classic case of NFL roster limbo - and it’s going to take some creative thinking to get out of it.
One thing’s clear: Miami’s front office has some tough decisions ahead. Whether they stick with Tua, trade him, or absorb the financial hit and move on, the outcome will shape the direction of the franchise for years to come.
The Dolphins aren’t just trying to fix a quarterback situation - they’re trying to reset their identity. And that starts with figuring out what comes next for Tua Tagovailoa.