Tua Tagovailoa Cut by Dolphins
The Miami Dolphins cut Tua Tagovailoa with a post-June 1st designation, absorbing a $99 million dead cap hit [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9-O2EXoElew] – he's owed $56M this year [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bEFmS3W5EHQ].
The Dolphins explored trade options for Tagovailoa but found no takers willing to absorb his contract. Releasing him allows Miami some long-term cap relief, though it creates a significant short-term financial burden. Miami will carry a dead cap hit of $67.2 million for the 2026 season, with another $31.8 million in 2027. This $99 million total is an NFL record. To create cap space, the Dolphins have also cut Alec Ingold and Jason Sanders. With Tagovailoa gone, Quinn Ewers and Cam Miller are the only QBs on the roster. Potential replacements include Kyler Murray, Mac Jones, or 2025 Heisman winner Fernando Mendoza. Malik Willis and Kirk Cousins could also be options. Tagovailoa's performance dipped after signing a 4-year, $212.4 million contract in 2024. In 2025, he threw 15 interceptions and lost his starting job. He earned $124.867 million of that contract. The Dolphins' dead cap situation will severely limit their financial flexibility. Nearly 48% of their cap will be tied to players no longer on the roster. The team must now find ways to create cap space and rebuild through the draft and free agency.
