Miami Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa struggled through his toughest NFL season yet in 2025. In 14 starts, he threw for 2,660 yards and 20 touchdowns, but 15 interceptions, a career high, told a harder story. He finished with a 6-8 record as a starter, leaving serious questions about his future in Miami.
The Dolphins benched him for their final three regular-season games, handing the offense to seventh-round rookie Quinn Ewers. That quiet benching signaled the end of a complicated chapter, and on Monday, the official announcement confirmed it.
The Miami Dolphins officially announced the release of Tua Tagovailoa using a post-June 1 designation. The move results in an NFL-record $99.2 million dead cap hit, split roughly two-thirds in 2026 and one-third in 2027.
Tua, selected fifth overall in the 2020 NFL Draft, spent six seasons with the franchise. He signed a four-year, $212.4 million extension in 2024, but declining performance and a new front office regime led both sides to a clean break. The Dolphins also moved quickly to fill the void, agreeing to a deal with former Green Bay Packers quarterback Malik Willis.
Tua responded with a gracious Instagram message, thanking the organization, teammates, and fans for years he called unforgettable.
“From the moment I arrived, you believed in me, supported me, and embraced my family as your own,” Tua [wrote](https://www.instagram.com/reel/DVqdO-hDpVO/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&igsh=NTc4MTIwNjQ2YQ==). “I was able to marry my wife and welcome both my kids to this world.”
He also did not shy away from his biggest regret. “I also carry deep regret that I couldn’t get the job done and bring a championship home to this city. Miami deserves that, and I’ll always wish I could have delivered it for you,” he added.
Annah Tagovailoa reposted Tua’s video and wrote, “I love you so much and could not be more proud of you.” In a longer message, she praised his heart, called him the best husband and father, and expressed full confidence heading into whatever comes next, signing off with, “Go get em, hunny.” Her words reminded fans that behind every roster move is a real person and a real family.
With his family firmly behind him, Tua wasted no time finding his next opportunity. Hours after the release was confirmed, ESPN’s Adam Schefter reported that Tua agreed to a one-year deal with the Atlanta Falcons, giving him an immediate fresh start in the NFC South.
The move makes sense for both sides. Starting quarterback Michael Penix Jr. is recovering from a partially torn ACL and remains uncertain for the start of the 2026 season, creating an immediate need at the position.
For Tua, now working under new head coach Kevin Stefanski, it is a genuine opportunity to step in, perform, and remind the league what he is capable of when healthy and confident.