The Miami Dolphins have a new head coach and general manager, and they will also have a new quarterback next season.
On Monday, Adam Schefter reported that the Dolphins are releasing QB Tua Tagovailoa with a post–June 1 designation. The move leaves the Dolphins with $99 million in dead money, a new NFL record. What does the move mean for the Patriots?
The Dolphins were not an immediate threat to the Patriots in the AFC East, but this move essentially guarantees they are going into a full rebuild, something most already knew. The Dolphins have the 11th overall pick in this year's NFL Draft, and there are plenty of options available in free agency.
The dead money left by releasing Tagovailoa leaves the Dolphins in a tough spot in free agency. If they want to land a quarterback on the open market, they may be unable to spend on other positions, which helps the Patriots at least a little bit. There will be less competition for receivers and pass rushers on the open market.
"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,” said new general manager Jon-Eric Sullivan in a statement released after the news of Tagovailoa's release broke.
Malik Willis has been linked to the Dolphins, and it seems like the Dolphins prefer a free agent quarterback to a rookie. Given their cap situation, the Patriots shouldn't expect them to be much competition for players both teams could use on the open market, especially if they spend big on Willis.
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