This offseason, the Miami Dolphins have some major issues to address all over the roster. But none is more important than the quarterback situation.
Tua Tagovailoa is almost certainly being cut, which will present a big issue for the Dolphins. However, the Dolphins now have a great reason to cut Tagovailoa thanks to the Arizona Cardinals.
As Ian Rapoport of NFL Network reports, the Cardinals have released Kyler Murray (barring a surprise trade). With Murray set to hit the open market, the Dolphins should now release Tagovailoa with ease, with the full intention of signing Murray.
Dolphins should cut Tagovailoa amid Murray release
But why does the Cardinals' release of Murray mean the Dolphins should cut ties with their expensive quarterback? The reason is simple: Murray's status as a free agent is the best fit for the Dolphins roster this offseason.
"Murray is due $36.8M guaranteed for 2026 with offsets," Rapoport reports, "meaning he'll play this season for someone for the minimum."
Murray can sign with a team for the veteran minimum, and for a team like the Dolphins, who are about to eat a massive $99.2 million dead cap hit over the next two seasons when they release Tagovailoa, this is the perfect replacement.
Instead of trying to sign someone like Malik Willis for $20 million-plus per year, the Dolphins could instead land Murray for around the veteran minimum, which comes in around $1 million total.
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From a strictly financial perspective, the Dolphins now have more reason than ever to release Tagovailoa, as Murray would be the exact kind of cheap quarterback option to add to the roster this offseason.
Being able to sign Murray for under $1 million, despite playing the most important position and being a solid career starter, including two Pro Bowl nods, would be a fantastic signing for the Dolphins.
He made five starts in 2025 before sitting out most of the year due to injury, and he had 962 passing yards and six touchdowns with three interceptions. He also ran for 172 yards and one touchdown as a runner.
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Being able to play alongside Jaylen Waddle and De'Von Achane in Miami is a very appealing landing spot for Murray as he takes a year to reset.
While there are other teams, like the Minnesota Vikings, who could go after Murray, the Dolphins are the perfect blend of a team with lesser stakes, solid receiving options, and a great location.
Now that Murray is on his way out of Arizona, the Dolphins should follow suit by cutting Tagovailoa. Then, they should immediately go after Murray as he's the best possible fit for their starting quarterback job in 2026.
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