Tua Tagovailoa's time with the Miami Dolphins seems to be nearing its conclusion. After a challenging 2025 NFL season, where he threw 20 touchdowns against 15 interceptions, the veteran quarterback found himself benched by then-coach Mike McDaniel in favor of rookie Quinn Ewers for the season's final stretch. With Jeff Hafley stepping in as the new head coach, Tagovailoa's future with the team looks increasingly uncertain.
The offseason has been rife with trade rumors surrounding Tagovailoa, but his hefty $54 million in guaranteed money makes him a tough sell on the market. ESPN's Dan Graziano suggests that the financial implications are a significant hurdle, stating, "The problem is that $54 million guarantee, which would transfer to whichever team trades for Tagovailoa and likely prevents any deal from getting done unless the Dolphins are willing to pay down a massive portion of it." This situation could force Miami to release him, potentially absorbing $99.2 million in dead money cap charges-a stark reminder of a long-term extension that now seems questionable.
Tagovailoa, who joined the Dolphins in 2020, has impressive career stats with 18,166 passing yards and 120 touchdowns. Despite a strong start in his first four seasons, his performance has dipped over the past two years, leading to the current predicament. As the offseason unfolds, all eyes will be on how the Dolphins navigate this complex situation.