Dolphins Enter Offseason at a Crossroads, with Tua Tagovailoa’s Future Up in the Air
The Miami Dolphins are heading into one of their most pivotal offseasons in recent memory. After a disappointing 2025 campaign that led to the departure of general manager Chris Grier and head coach Mike McDaniel, the franchise is resetting from the top down. Now, with Jeff Hafley stepping in as head coach and Jon-Eric Sullivan taking over as general manager, the Dolphins are staring down a long list of major decisions-none bigger than what to do with quarterback Tua Tagovailoa.
At the introductory press conference for the new leadership duo, Sullivan didn’t shy away from the big questions. When asked about Tagovailoa’s future in Miami, he gave an honest, measured response that signaled both respect for the player and a commitment to a thorough evaluation process.
“I have a lot of respect for Tua,” Sullivan said. “Whether it’s Tua or anyone else, it’s unfair for me to sit up here and talk about anything until I’ve been able to talk to the player himself. To sit up here today and tell you I have a great understanding of what we’re going to do-that would be a lie.”
That kind of transparency is a notable shift in tone for Dolphins fans. Sullivan isn’t making promises, and he’s not offering vague platitudes. What he is doing is setting a clear tone: this front office is going to take its time, do its homework, and make decisions rooted in direct communication and full evaluation.
Tua at the Center of Miami’s Biggest Offseason Puzzle
The Tagovailoa question is complicated, and Sullivan knows it. On one hand, moving on from the former first-round pick could provide long-term financial flexibility. On the other, the Dolphins would be walking away from a quarterback who, when healthy and protected, has shown he can run an efficient, high-octane offense.
But the business side of the NFL looms large. Tagovailoa’s contract isn’t cheap, and finding a trade partner willing to absorb that deal-let alone give up meaningful assets in return-won’t be easy. Cutting ties outright would sting in the short term, both on the field and in the locker room.
That’s why Sullivan’s approach is deliberate. He’s not rushing to judgment, and he’s not tipping his hand. Before any decisions are made, he wants to sit down with Tagovailoa face-to-face.
Roster-Wide Evaluation Underway
And it’s not just Tua. Sullivan made it clear that this player-first evaluation process will extend across the roster. That includes stars like Tyreek Hill and potentially Jaylen Waddle, both of whom could be in line for meetings with the new GM to discuss their roles and futures with the team.
This isn’t just about cap numbers or depth charts-it’s about building a new foundation. Sullivan and Hafley are taking over a roster with talent, but also with questions.
Who fits their vision? Who’s part of the long-term plan?
And how can they reshape the culture after a season that fell short of expectations?
A Long Offseason Ahead
For now, nothing is set in stone. The Dolphins have time, and Sullivan is making it clear they plan to use it wisely. Tagovailoa’s future in Miami remains uncertain, but what is certain is that this front office is embracing a new way of doing business-one built on communication, evaluation, and patience.
It’s a new era in South Florida. And while the answers aren’t here yet, the approach already feels different.