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

The Miami Dolphins have parted ways with quarterback Tua Tagovailoa. To fans of the team, the news might not come as a total shock. After all, Tagovailoa 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 Tagovailoa 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 Tagovailoa 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.

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The Dolphins are planning to designate Tagovailoa 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.

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

Miami has already signed Tagovailoa'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 Tagovailoa. 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 Tagovailoa 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.

Tagovailoa 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.

Tagovailoa 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.