The Dolphins Are Taking A Cap Hit Of $99.2 Million To Release Tua Tagovaiola

The Miami Dolphins have parted ways with quarterback Tua Tagovaiola. To fans of the team, the news might not come as a total shock. After all, Tagovaiola had regressed the previous two seasons after finishing top 10 in MVP voting in 2022 and earning his first Pro Bowl nod in 2023. The drop in play wasn't entirely his fault, as he experienced several devastating hits and suffered multiple concussions. That would impact just about any signal caller.

Still, the Dolphins don't believe Tagovaiola is their quarterback of the future, so they've released him after six seasons. It's going to be a costly decision; the team is certainly paying him like he's their quarterback of the future.

In 2024, the Dolphins gave Tagovaiola a four-year, $212.4 million extension, with $167 million guaranteed. He's only played one season on that contract, which was set to run through 2028. As a result, the Dolphins are taking a record cap hit of $99.2 million to release their former quarterback.

KANSAS CITY, MISSOURI – NOVEMBER 23: Trent McDuffie #22 of the Kansas City Chiefs runs onto the field before the game against the Indianapolis Colts at Arrowhead Stadium on November 23, 2025 in Kansas City, Missouri. (Photo by Kathryn Riley/Getty Images)

The Dolphins are planning to designate Tagovaiola as a post-June 1 cut, which will at least spread out the salary cap hit. They'll have dead money of $66.7 million this season, and $32.5 million for the 2027 campaign.

Tagovaiola will still receive $54 million in guaranteed salary in 2026, even though he's no longer on the Dolphins' roster. Had Miami kept Tagovaiola on the roster, the cap hit for this season would have been $55.6 million.

Miami has already signed Tagovaiola's replacement, agreeing to a three-year, $67.5 million contract with former backup quarterback Malik Willis.

The Dolphins are willing to take that additional financial hit to part ways with Tagovaiola. The good news for them is that his new team will offset some of the money that the Dolphins owe.

It looks like the Atlanta Falcons are that new team, with Tagovaiola agreeing to a one-year deal. The Falcons are releasing their own veteran quarterback, Kirk Cousins, and Michael Penix Jr. is still recovering from a knee injury.

Tagovaiola is only 28, so this shorter deal makes sense for him. If he plays well, he could sign a larger contract next summer. Sometimes a change of scenery can be great for a player.

Tagovaiola still has plenty of time to evaluate his options. In the meantime, it's got to feel good knowing you've got $54 million coming your way no matter what.