The Miami Dolphins appear to be exploring a major shift under center this offseason, with reports indicating they’re looking to trade quarterback Tua Tagovailoa. While nothing is set in stone, the idea of moving on from the former first-round pick is gaining traction inside the organization, especially as Miami weighs its long-term future at the position.
According to league sources, the Dolphins are open to dealing Tagovailoa, though the financial logistics are anything but simple. Tua is still under contract for three more years on a $212 million deal, a figure that includes a significant amount of guaranteed money. That’s a hefty number for any team to absorb, particularly for a quarterback whose performance has dipped in recent seasons.
From Miami’s perspective, a trade makes more financial sense than an outright release. Cutting Tagovailoa would trigger a massive dead-cap hit, whereas a trade-even one that requires the Dolphins to eat part of the contract-would be a more manageable path forward. And that’s exactly what Miami is reportedly willing to do: pay down a portion of the deal to help facilitate a move.
That kind of financial flexibility could open the door for quarterback-needy teams to at least take a closer look. Two teams that could enter the conversation? The New York Jets and the Atlanta Falcons.
In Atlanta, the quarterback room is in flux. The Falcons are reportedly planning to move on from Kirk Cousins this offseason, and with Michael Penix Jr. recovering from a torn ACL suffered in 2025, the team may be in the market for a veteran presence to stabilize the position. Tua could fit the bill if the price-and contract-are right.
Then there’s the Jets. After last season’s ill-fated gamble on Justin Fields and with Tyrod Taylor set to hit free agency, New York is once again in the market for a quarterback. While the Jets have been aggressive in recent years, the question is whether they’d be willing to part with draft capital and take on a portion of Tagovailoa’s contract, even if Miami helps offset the cost.
That’s the sticking point. Tua’s recent play hasn’t exactly boosted his trade value.
He was benched late last season, and his trajectory has been trending in the wrong direction. For teams evaluating the risk-reward equation, Tagovailoa represents a significant gamble-especially at his current price tag.
As it stands, finding a team willing to give up meaningful assets and absorb a large chunk of the contract seems unlikely. If no trade materializes, the Dolphins could ultimately decide to release him, despite the financial hit.
Should that happen, expect interest in Tagovailoa to pick up quickly. Once the contract is off the books, the risk becomes more manageable-and in today’s quarterback-hungry NFL, that’s often all it takes to get another shot.