As the NFL offseason looms, the Miami Dolphins find themselves at a financial crossroads - and Tua Tagovailoa’s future might be the first domino to fall. Multiple reports continue to suggest that the former first-round quarterback could be on his way out, and if that happens, it could trigger a chain reaction involving other high-profile names on the roster, including edge rusher Bradley Chubb.
The Dolphins are staring down a tough salary cap situation in 2025, and the front office will have to make some hard decisions. How do they create enough cap space to stay competitive? Who stays, who goes, and how do they reload after the necessary cuts?
Bradley Chubb's name has come up frequently in those conversations. But his status is now more complicated - and possibly tied directly to what happens with Tagovailoa.
Chubb’s Future Could Hinge on Tagovailoa’s Exit
Let’s start with the numbers. If the Dolphins decide to move on from Chubb and designate him as a post-June 1 release, they’ll take a $10 million dead cap hit - but they’d also free up $20 million in space after June 2. That’s a significant chunk of flexibility, especially for a team looking to retool on the fly.
But here’s where it gets tricky: Tua’s contract is an even bigger puzzle. If Miami trades him, they’ll still be on the hook for a sizable portion of his cap hit - unless they can find a trade partner willing to take on a large chunk of the deal.
Releasing him before June 1? That’s a $99 million cap catastrophe.
After June 1, it’s still a painful $67 million hit, but at least it’s not financially crippling.
That timeline matters. Because if the Dolphins are going to lean on June 1 designations for multiple players - say, Tyreek Hill and Chubb - they won’t be able to do the same with Tagovailoa. NFL rules limit teams to two post-June 1 designations per offseason, and those spots could be spoken for.
The Tyreek Hill Factor
Tyreek Hill is another big name who could be on the way out, at least financially speaking. If Miami releases him with a post-June 1 designation, they’ll take on a $16 million cap hit but get $36 million back in space after June 2. Combined with a potential Chubb release, that’s $56 million in cap relief - enough to soften the blow if Tagovailoa is traded and the Dolphins need to absorb some of his remaining salary.
But again, it all comes back to timing and structure. The Dolphins are digging into the fine print of each contract, trying to pinpoint guarantees, trigger dates, and potential outs. It’s not just about who’s productive - it’s about who’s affordable, and when.
Tua’s Trade Market and Timeline
The most likely scenario? Miami could carry Tagovailoa into the summer, waiting for a quarterback-needy team to make a move.
A $3 million guarantee kicks in early in the new league year, but that’s a manageable number. The Dolphins aren’t boxed in yet - they have options, even if none of them are ideal.
This isn’t just about clearing cap space. It’s about reshaping the roster while maintaining enough talent to stay competitive in a loaded AFC. Miami has been a playoff contender under Mike McDaniel, but the next few months will test the front office’s creativity and resolve.
A Defining Offseason Ahead
Owner Stephen Ross may not overhaul the coaching staff or front office, but the roster? That’s a different story. With stars like Tagovailoa, Hill, and Chubb all potentially in play, this offseason could be one of the most consequential in recent franchise history.
The Dolphins aren’t just trying to stay afloat - they’re trying to reset without sinking. And how they navigate the Tagovailoa situation could determine the fate of several other key players along the way.