Miami Dolphins Overhaul Quarterback Position: Tagovailoa Released, Willis Acquired
The Miami Dolphins have initiated a significant quarterback overhaul, releasing Tua Tagovailoa with a post-June 1 designation. This move results in an NFL-record $99.2 million dead cap hit for the team. Following his release, Tagovailoa signed a one-year deal with the Atlanta Falcons for the veteran's minimum. Simultaneously, the Dolphins, under their new leadership, acquired quarterback Malik Willis on a three-year contract reportedly worth $67.5 million, including $45 million guaranteed.
The Miami Dolphins have initiated a major quarterback overhaul, releasing Tua Tagovailoa and incurring a record $99.2 million dead cap hit, while acquiring Malik Willis on a substantial three-year deal.
Miami Dolphins Release Tua Tagovailoa: A New Era Begins
The Miami Dolphins formally released quarterback Tua Tagovailoa on the first day of NFL free agency, effective with a post-June 1 designation. This decision by the new Dolphins leadership, including General Manager Jon-Eric Sullivan and Coach Jeff Hafley, followed unsuccessful attempts to trade Tagovailoa.
The primary challenge in trading Tagovailoa stemmed from the significant financial commitments in his existing contract. Reports from a high-ranking team executive indicated that a potential trade would have required the Dolphins to include a first-round draft pick as compensation to facilitate another team absorbing his contract, mirroring historical NFL precedents.
Record-Breaking Financial Implications
The release of Tagovailoa incurs a record $99.2 million dead cap hit for the Dolphins, surpassing the Denver Broncos' $85 million dead cap hit for Russell Wilson in 2024. This substantial financial impact will be spread over two seasons, with $67.4 million affecting the team's cap in 2026 and an additional $31.8 million in 2027.
The Dolphins are also projected to lose $11 million in cap space for the current season. Tagovailoa was contractually owed $54 million, fully guaranteed, in 2026.
The record $99.2 million dead cap hit for Tagovailoa will impact the Dolphins' salary cap over the next two seasons, with $67.4 million in 2026 and $31.8 million in 2027.
Organizational Statements on the Future
Dolphins General Manager Jon-Eric Sullivan stated that the team would be focused on "infusing competition across the roster and establishing a strong foundation... as we work towards building a sustained winner." Sullivan also expressed gratitude for Tagovailoa's contributions to the team during his tenure.
General Manager Jon-Eric Sullivan emphasized a focus on "infusing competition across the roster" and building a "sustained winner" for the Dolphins' future.
Tua Tagovailoa's Six Seasons with the Miami Dolphins
Tua Tagovailoa, 28, was drafted by the Miami Dolphins as the No. 5 overall pick in the 2020 NFL Draft. He later signed a four-year, $212.4 million contract extension in the summer of 2024. During his 5.5 seasons as Miami's primary starter, Tagovailoa compiled a 44-32 record.
He holds the franchise record for passer rating (96.4) and completion percentage (68%) among quarterbacks with at least 200 attempts. Tagovailoa also ranks fourth in franchise history in passing yards (18,166) and touchdowns (120).
Performance Highs and Injury Struggles
Tagovailoa experienced a period of success under coach Mike McDaniel starting in 2022, leading the Dolphins to playoff appearances. In 2022, he led the NFL in passer rating (105.5) and yards per attempt (8.9). In 2023, he led the league in passing yards (4,624) with a career-high 29 touchdowns, earning his sole Pro Bowl appearance. He further led the league in completion percentage (72.9%) in 2024.
Throughout his time with the Dolphins, Tagovailoa experienced multiple concussions, including two documented incidents in 2022. Injury concerns re-emerged in 2024, causing him to miss four games due to a concussion and two games with a hip ailment. His performance subsequently declined in 2024 and 2025, with the Dolphins missing the playoffs in both years.
In the 2025 season, he started 14 games, recording a 6-8 record, 2,660 passing yards, 20 touchdowns, and a career-high 15 interceptions, with an interception rate of 3.9 percent. He was benched for rookie Quinn Ewers late in the 2025 season after the team's Week 15 loss.
Despite periods of statistical success and a Pro Bowl appearance, Tagovailoa's tenure was marked by recurring injury concerns and a decline in performance in his final two seasons, culminating in his benching in 2025.
Tagovailoa's Farewell and Future Outlook
In social media statements, Tagovailoa thanked Dolphins fans and the organization for six "unforgettable years," reflecting on personal milestones and expressing gratitude to teammates and coaches. He also acknowledged his disappointment for not bringing a championship to the city.
Upon signing with the Falcons, Tagovailoa stated that his performance in Miami did not meet his expectations and that he believes his "best football is ahead." Tagovailoa expressed gratitude to the Dolphins organization and fans, while acknowledging his disappointment at not winning a championship and believing his "best football is ahead."
Miami's New Quarterback: Malik Willis
The Miami Dolphins have agreed to terms with quarterback Malik Willis, formerly of the Green Bay Packers. Willis is signing a three-year contract reported to be worth $67.5 million, with $45 million guaranteed.
Malik Willis joins the Dolphins on a three-year, $67.5 million deal with $45 million guaranteed, reuniting him with GM Jon-Eric Sullivan and Coach Jeff Hafley, both of whom previously worked with him in Green Bay.
Performance and Expectations for the Dual-Threat Quarterback
Willis, noted for his dual-threat capabilities, was a sought-after quarterback in the 2026 free agency class. In spot duties for the Packers during the 2024 and 2025 seasons, he completed 70 of 89 passes for 972 yards, six touchdowns, and no interceptions. He also rushed for 261 yards and three touchdowns. He has six career starts, with his first three occurring in 2022 with the Tennessee Titans. Willis is expected to secure the starting role over Quinn Ewers.
Willis, a dual-threat quarterback, impressed in spot duties with the Packers, showcasing a strong completion percentage and rushing ability, and is expected to claim the Dolphins' starting job.
This quarterback change is part of a larger roster restructuring for the Dolphins, which has also seen the departure of receiver Tyreek Hill and pass rusher Bradley Chubb, and the trade of safety Minkah Fitzpatrick to the New York Jets. This quarterback change is part of a broader roster restructuring for the Dolphins, involving the departure of key veteran players.
Tagovailoa Joins Atlanta Falcons
Tua Tagovailoa has signed a one-year contract with the Atlanta Falcons. The Falcons will pay Tagovailoa the veteran's minimum, reported to be $1.2 million to $1.3 million. The Miami Dolphins remain responsible for $54 million of his previous contract, minus the amount paid by Atlanta. This signing was reported following Tagovailoa's release from Miami, with ESPN having previously identified the Falcons and Vikings as potential landing spots.
Tua Tagovailoa has signed a one-year veteran's minimum deal with the Atlanta Falcons, with the Dolphins still responsible for the majority of his previous contract.
Atlanta's Quarterback Room and Competition
With Tagovailoa's arrival, the Falcons now have two left-handed quarterbacks on their roster, including 2024 No. 8 overall pick Michael Penix Jr. Penix Jr. sustained a torn ACL in November 2025, ending his season in Week 11, and may not be available to start the 2026 regular season. The 2026 season opener is nine months post-injury, and Penix is expected to miss most offseason practices. Tagovailoa is anticipated to receive the majority of first-team practice repetitions during this period.
Tagovailoa joins a Falcons quarterback room featuring Michael Penix Jr., who is recovering from a torn ACL, positioning Tua to receive significant practice reps and potentially compete for the starting role early in the season.
It remains to be determined whether Tagovailoa is intended to compete for the starting job with Penix Jr. or serve as a veteran backup. Tagovailoa has expressed that he welcomes the competition for playing time and has offered to assist Penix as they begin working together. The Falcons are still expected to add a third quarterback to their roster. Tagovailoa has expressed a willingness to compete for playing time and assist Penix Jr., with the Falcons still planning to add a third quarterback.