Miami Dolphins Face Urgent $99M Decision on Tua Tagovailoa

URGENT UPDATE: The Miami Dolphins are confronted with a critical decision regarding quarterback Tua Tagovailoa, which could reshape the franchise for years. Just hours after their disappointing loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers on Monday night, head coach Mike McDaniel announced that rookie Quinn Ewers will take over as the starting quarterback for the remainder of the season.

This dramatic shift comes as Tagovailoa, 27, has struggled significantly this season, raising serious doubts about his future with the team. Following the announcement, Tagovailoa expressed his disappointment but understands the urgent need for change. With his performance under scrutiny and ongoing concussion concerns, Monday’s game may mark the final chapter of his tenure with the Dolphins.

According to Adam Schefter, Tagovailoa’s contract includes a fully guaranteed salary of $54 million for the 2026 season, which places the Dolphins in a challenging financial position. On March 15, 2026, an additional $3 million of his 2027 salary will also become guaranteed. The Dolphins face a staggering $99.2 million dead cap hit if they choose to release him before June 1st.

Should they decide to part ways with Tagovailoa after June 1st, they can distribute the dead cap over two years, incurring $67.4 million in 2026 and $31.8 million in 2027. This contract structure indicates that the Dolphins may have designed it with a potential out clause for 2027, allowing for some flexibility moving forward.

If the Dolphins keep Tagovailoa as a backup in 2026, they could benefit in the long run, as they are already obligated to his salary. However, the decision to retain him will significantly impact their roster construction and financial strategies for the coming years.

The situation is delicate. A pre-June 1st release in 2027 would result in a $34.8 million dead cap hit, but it could also lead to $18.6 million in savings. Conversely, a post-June 1st cut would split the dead cap into $16.4 million in 2027 and $18.4 million in 2028, allowing for potential savings of $37 million in 2027.

The Dolphins must make a swift decision on Tagovailoa’s future, as this pivotal choice will have lasting ramifications on the team’s direction, financial health, and competitive edge in the NFL. Fans and analysts alike will be monitoring the situation closely as it unfolds in the coming weeks.