Tua Tagovailoa has had a tough season which has not ended well for him. He failed to lead the franchise to success, with the Miami Dolphins going for a 7-10 record in the 2025 regular season. They also missed the playoffs yet again for the second consecutive season.
The franchise has started the process to reshape the roster before the start of the 2026 NFL season. They have already taken one huge step in that direction, with a major player being cut.
Tua Tagovailoa posts farwell message
The Dolphins have confirmed that they will release quarterback Tua Tagovailoa as a post-June 1 cut. They will incur an NFL-record $99.2 million dead cap hit, split into $67.4 million for 2026 and $31.8 million for 2027. He was drafted by the franchise in 2020, and spent six years with them.
Miami Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa
Dec 15, 2025; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Miami Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa (1) leaves the field following a game against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Acrisure Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Barry Reeger-Imagn Images
He signed a four-year contract extension worth $212.4 million in 2024 with $167.171 million guaranteed, including a $42 million signing bonus and $54 million fully guaranteed for 2026. They initially wanted to trade him, but his massive obligations deterred many teams from doing so. The decision was ultimately taken by general manager Eric Sullivan and head coach Jeff Hafley as they wanted more flexibility in salary cap contraints and as part of their plans to restructure the roster.
Tagovailoa played 14 games in the 2025 season, passing for 2,660 yards and 20 touchdowns while also throwing 15 interceptions. As news broke out that he will be released, he wrote an emotional farewell message on his Instagram. The message wrote, “To the Miami Dolphins organization, my teammates, the front office and the incredible fans – Thank you for six unforgettable years. From the moment I arrived, you believed in me, supported me, and embraced my family as your own.”
He added, “I also carry deep regret that I couldn’t get the job done and bring a championship home to this city. Most importantly, I thank my Lord and savior Jesus Christ for guiding my path… As I prepare for the next chapter, I move forward with gratitude, faith, and memories I’ll cherish for a lifetime. South Florida will always hold a special place in my heart. 1Love – UNO out.” However, fans have not responded well to his goodbye.
Fans roast Tua Tagovailoa after farewell message
Many fans were not pleased with the player and attacked him on social media.
One user wrote, “No he has all the time he needs to take care of his kids, Fraudavaiola!”
A second user said, “Mf you couldn’t even get us a playoff win. Talkin bout chips 😂”
A third user replied, “That statement is just about the only good he did after signing that contract.”
Another added, ““I also carry the regret that I couldn’t get the job done and bring a championship . . . “Brotha, you couldn’t even win a playoff game.”
A fifth user remarked, “This bitch never won the division or a playoff game. As a matter of fact he played like absolute ass in his only playoff game, just like he did in most big games. So miss me with that championship bullshit, he never came close to one.”
A sixth user commented, “Self absorbed. Over inflated value of self importance. Delete this nonsense and find dignity. 🤡🏈”
Tua Tagovailoa will now be looking for a new franchise ahead of the 2026 NFL season.