The Tua Tagovailoa era in Miami is over. The Dolphins announced Monday morning they are releasing their former franchise quarterback, just hours before NFL free agency kicked off at noon.
Miami took Tagovailoa fifth overall in the 2020 draft and gave him a big extension in 2024. He spent six seasons running the offense, throwing for 18,166 yards and 120 touchdowns while making one Pro Bowl.
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The move means new general manager Jon-Eric Sullivan could not find a trade partner willing to take on the contract. Tagovailoa was set to earn $54 million guaranteed in 2026, and cutting him leaves Miami with a brutal $99.2 million dead cap hit.
Health concerns still follow him around, but his ability at quarterback is obvious. The real question now is whether another team will hand him a starting job. Several franchises could use help under center, so the next phase of his career is worth keeping an eye on.
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Here are three teams that might consider bringing him in.
Minnesota Vikings:
Kevin O’Connell has quietly built a reputation for getting quarterbacks back on track. Sam Darnold found his footing in Minnesota, and Daniel Jones briefly landed at the Vikings’ facility after the Giants cut him last year, well before his bounce-back 2025 season. Even Joshua Dobbs caught fire for a short stretch running O’Connell’s offense.
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Looking ahead, J.J. McCarthy is expected to start in 2026. Still, Minnesota could use better competition during training camp. Former undrafted free agent Max Brosmer did not look ready in his first start against Seattle. That leaves the Vikings searching for a steadier backup behind McCarthy.
If contract complications can get worked out, Tagovailoa might actually make sense for Minnesota’s quarterback room.
Former Miami Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa
Former Miami Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa leaves the field following a game against the New Orleans Saints at Hard Rock Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Rich Storry-Imagn Images
Atlanta Falcons:
Michael Penix Jr. has arm talent, no question. Durability is a different story. Last season brought his third career torn ACL, which raises fresh questions about how much he can stay on the field.
That opens the door for Tua Tagovailoa, who could either push Penix or step in temporarily while he recovers. Atlanta’s offensive setup makes this scenario interesting. Bijan Robinson, Drake London, and Kyle Pitts Sr. headline a deep group of playmakers, and the offensive line looks capable of giving Tua time in the pocket.
Defensively, the roster has upside, though James Pearce Jr.’s availability is still up in the air.
Tagovailoa would also get to work with two-time NFL Coach of the Year Kevin Stefanski.
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Cleveland Browns:
Cleveland’s quarterback situation is wide open, something new head coach Todd Monken has already made clear. Competition rarely hurts a roster trying to reset. Among the current options, none has the résumé or track record of Tua Tagovailoa.
With the Browns unlikely to land a clear franchise quarterback in this year’s NFL Draft, bringing in a proven veteran makes sense. Tagovailoa would enter camp battling Shedeur Sanders and Deshaun Watson for the starting role.
Cleveland needs stability at the position. Tua’s recent seasons have had challenges, but a rebound like Sam Darnold or Mac Jones pulled off could keep the Browns competitive if Sanders struggles early. Even if Sanders ends up winning the QB1 job, Tagovailoa’s experience could still help during the transition.
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