Miami Dolphins general manager Eric Sullivan acknowledged that he could move Tua Tagovailoa this offseason.
Sullivan told reporters on Tuesday that the Dolphins may explore a Tagovailoa trade. While the quarterback has said a fresh start would be "dope," Sullivan confirmed that the 27-year-old has not requested a trade.
"We've had conversations with Tua and his representation. Everything's on the table, including the potential of a trade," Sullivan said. "We don't know which way that's gonna go. There's a lot of factors in play, a lot of conversations being had."
Dolphins explore future without Tagovailoa
Dec 15, 2025; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Miami Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa (1) throws in the third quarter against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Acrisure Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Barry Reeger-Imagn Images © Barry Reeger-Imagn Images
A trade may represent Miami's best-case scenario to escape the final three seasons of Tagovailoa's four-year, $212.4 million extension.
Tagovailoa will make $54 million guaranteed in 2026 and carries a gargantuan $99 million dead cap hit. The Dolphins could divide that record hit into two seasons if they release him after June 1.
That's a huge amount for a quarterback who no longer looks like their future stalwart. Miami benched Tagovailoa late into a disappointing sixth season that saw him throw a career-high 15 interceptions and record a career-low 37.5 QBR.
"I think Tua had some bright moments," Sullivan said. "I think Tua, if he was standing here today, would tell you there were some moments he wishes he had back, some decisions he had back. Tua has accomplished a lot of really good things in his time in Miami. I think people that are Miami Dolphins fans should be proud to have had him here, and we'll see where it goes."
Sullivan conceded that the front office has also examined Malik Willis and other free-agent quarterbacks. He and head coach Jeff Hafley both previously worked for the Green Bay Packers, who employed Willis as a backup to Jordan Love last season.
The first-year GM is open to different solutions at quarterback that may not involve Tagovailoa.
"We have no idea what that's going to look like in our room," Sullivan said. "Is it going to be multiple draft picks? Is it going to be a free agent along with Quinn? Who knows? We have so many factors at play. We've got a lot of decisions to make as we move through the next couple of weeks."
Copyright The Arena Group, Inc. All Rights Reserved