Tua Tagovailoa and the Miami Dolphins had a very bad 2025 season. The franchise had a 7-10 record in the regular season, were third in the AFC East division, and missed the playoffs. The franchise was under much pressure to make some huge changes.
In the offseason, they decided to take a bold decision by releasing quarterback Tagovailoa. However, this led to a drastic consequence which many fans are unhappy with.
Miami Dolphins release Tua Tagovailoa for record cap hit
The Dolphins released Tagovailoa in order to reset their quarterback situation, but will have to absorb the largest dead-cap hit in NFL history. According to ESPN’s Adam Schefter, the move will cost the team $99.2 million in dead money spread across 2026 and 2027 via a post-June 1 designation.
Miami Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa
Jan 4, 2026; Foxborough, Massachusetts, USA; Miami Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa (1) walks out of the player tunnel before the game against the New England Patriots at Gillette Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brian Fluharty-Imagn Images
Tagovailoa signed a four-year, $212.4 million extension in 2024 that included more than $167 million in guarantees, making him the highest-paid player in franchise history at the time. However, he has been unsatisfactory with his performance since then. In the 14 games he played in, he passed for 2,660 yards and 20 touchdowns but also threw 15 interceptions. His repeated injuries were also a concern.
The franchise still owe him $54 million in guaranteed salary for 2026, which they will have to pay for even after the release. With the post-June 1 cut, Miami will carry approximately $55.4 million in dead cap from Tagovailoa in 2026 and $43.8 million in 2027. He has already joined the Atlanta Falcons as a free agent signing.
The franchise took this decision as they are attempting a significant roster reset under new general manager Jon-Eric Sullivan and head coach Jeff Hafley. Along with Tagovailoa, they have parted ways with wide receiver Tyreek Hill, Jaylen Waddle, Bradley Chubb among others. However, some fans are not happy with this and are complaining about the huge dead cap hit.
Fans criticize record cap hit for Tua Tagovailoa
Many fans did not like that the Dolphins took the decision to absorb such a huge cap hit by releasing Tagovailoa.
One user said, “Miami is going to be in salary cap issue for the next five years trying to keep this offense together.”
A second user wrote, “The fans have to pay this salary and Mismanagement of the player and the long term salary. How much more can sports teams gauge us the fans and we keep supporting this. Crazy!!”
A third user replied, “Worst Front Office Masterclass in Modern NFL”.
Another added, “Ngl they might have the worst front office in the league”.
A fifth user remarked, “At this point will Miami have a team to put on the field”.
A sixth user commented, “So not only are the gonna be the worst team in the nfl next to the falcons they’re not gonna have any money for years?”
Tua Tagovailoa will now focus on his new franchise for the 2026 NFL season.