Miami Dolphins Cut Tua Tagovailoa in Move That Sets NFL Dead Cap Record

Miami Dolphins Part Ways With Tua Tagovailoa at Historic Financial Cost

The Miami Dolphins have announced they will release starting quarterback Tua Tagovailoa, a move that comes with an unprecedented financial penalty. The franchise will absorb a staggering $99.2 million (approximately £74.2 million) in dead cap charges — the largest such figure in NFL history.

A Costly Departure After a Turbulent Run

Tagovailoa, now 28, has been the face of Miami's offense since the team selected him with the fifth overall pick in the 2020 NFL Draft. Just last year, he secured a four-year contract extension valued at $212.4 million (£158.9 million). However, cutting ties with him only two years into that agreement has saddled the Dolphins with a record-breaking cap burden.

The figure eclipses the previous NFL record of $85 million (£63.6 million), which was set when the Denver Broncos parted ways with quarterback Russell Wilson in 2024.

Front Office Signals a New Era

First-year general manager Jon-Eric Sullivan made the organization's intentions clear, stating: "We are going to move in a new direction at the quarterback position and will be releasing him after the start of the new league year."

Sullivan, who joined Miami alongside newly appointed head coach Jeff Hafley following the January dismissal of Mike McDaniel, is overseeing a significant roster overhaul. The team also recently released star wide receiver Tyreek Hill and has agreed to send safety Minkah Fitzpatrick to the New York Jets via trade.

"As we move forward, we will be focused on infusing competition across the roster and establishing a strong foundation for this team as we work towards building a sustained winner," Sullivan added.

Health Struggles and Inconsistent Performance

Tagovailoa's time in Miami was never free of difficulty. After suffering two concussions during the 2022 season, he publicly admitted to contemplating retirement. He ultimately returned and delivered an outstanding 2023 campaign, topping the league in passing yards and guiding the Dolphins to the playoffs — performances that directly led to his massive contract extension.

However, the momentum proved short-lived. Just two months after signing that deal, he suffered another concussion. His form in 2025 was underwhelming, ultimately resulting in him being benched for the final three games of the season.

Second Franchise QB Moved On This Offseason

Tagovailoa's release makes him the second high-profile franchise quarterback to be let go during the current NFL free agency window. The Arizona Cardinals recently announced they are cutting Kyler Murray — the first overall pick in the 2019 Draft — after he produced just one winning season across seven years, four of which were hampered by injury.

With Miami now firmly in rebuilding mode, the search for a new signal-caller will be among the most closely watched storylines of the offseason.