Mar 9, 2026, 12:22 PM
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The Dolphins will release quarterback Tua Tagovailoa after the start of the new league year in a move that will leave Miami with an NFL-record $99 million in dead money against the salary cap.
The Dolphins announced their intention to release Tagovailoa in a statement Monday. A source told ESPN's Adam Schefter that Tagovailoa's release will be designated post-June 1, allowing the Dolphins to split the dead money over two years.
"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," Dolphins general manager Jon-Eric Sullivan said in the team's statement.
The post-June 1 designation likely will leave the Dolphins with a $67.4 million dead hit against their salary cap in 2026.
Tagovailoa was benched with three games remaining last season, after throwing for 20 touchdowns and a career-high 15 interceptions in 14 games.