The Miami Dolphins are at a crossroads, and the spotlight is squarely on Tua Tagovailoa. After being benched in favor of rookie Quinn Ewers earlier this week, the former fifth overall pick’s future in South Florida is looking increasingly uncertain. And if the latest reports are any indication, the franchise may already be preparing to turn the page.
According to NFL insider Ian Rapoport, the expectation inside the building is that Tagovailoa has likely played his final snap as a Dolphin. That’s a significant development for a quarterback who, just a couple of seasons ago, was being discussed as the long-term answer under center in Miami.
The biggest hurdle now? The contract.
Tagovailoa is set to make $55 million fully guaranteed next season, a figure that looms large over any potential decision. It’s not just a financial number-it’s a statement about commitment, cap strategy, and the direction of the franchise.
So what are Miami’s options?
Let’s start with the most drastic: cutting him outright. That would saddle the Dolphins with a staggering $99 million in dead cap, spread over the next two seasons. It’s not unprecedented-Denver took a similar path with Russell Wilson-but it’s a move that would send shockwaves through the league and signal a full reset at the quarterback position.
The more palatable-and reportedly preferred-option is a trade. The Dolphins would still likely have to absorb a chunk of that guaranteed money to make a deal work, but it would give them a chance to recoup some value and avoid the full brunt of the cap hit. Given the quarterback market and the number of teams potentially looking for a veteran starter or bridge option, there could be suitors willing to take a flyer on Tagovailoa if the financials are manageable.
There’s also the long-shot scenario: keeping him on the roster as a high-priced backup. But let’s be real-that’s not just unlikely, it’s almost unworkable. Carrying a $55 million backup would be a tough sell in any locker room, and even tougher to justify in a league where every dollar of cap space matters.
Tagovailoa’s 2025 campaign hasn’t helped his case. He’s thrown for 2,660 yards and 20 touchdowns, but his 15 interceptions lead the league.
That turnover number, combined with Miami’s 6-8 record before his benching, paints a picture of a quarterback struggling to find consistency. And in a league that demands results, especially at the quarterback position, that kind of performance opens the door for change.
The Dolphins, for their part, appear ready to explore what’s next. Whether that’s handing the reins to Ewers, targeting a veteran in the offseason, or looking toward the draft, the message is clear: the Tua era in Miami is nearing its end.
What comes next-for both Tagovailoa and the Dolphins-will be one of the more intriguing storylines to watch this offseason.
From @NFLGameDay: #Dolphins coach Mike McDaniel is likely to be back in 2026, though Tua Tagovailoa is not. Where does it stand for Miami? pic.twitter.com/H7dxWxc6gQ
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) December 21, 2025