The $100M Tua Tagovailoa query that looms as Dolphins mull QB breakup

With modifications at the high in Miami, Tua Tagovailoa could see his time with the Dolphins coming to an finish, according to a report.

Following the ouster of common supervisor Chris Grier this previous week, NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport reported Saturday that the team probably may transfer on from their high-priced, inconsistent quarterback in the offseason, and hasn’t dominated out benching him later this 12 months.

If they do launch Tagovailoa, it might price the Dolphins almost $100 million.

Tua Tagovailoa following a Dolphins loss on Oct. 30, 2025. AP

Tagovailoa entered Sunday having thrown an NFL-high 11 interceptions amidst another disappointing season in his sixth 12 months, and Rapoport said his benching “is not off the table at some point this season.” 

That would depart the Dolphins with either former Jet bust Zach Wilson, the present backup, or rookie Quinn Ewers, now the team’s third-string QB.

Head coach Mike McDaniel, who was advised he’d stay in the place through the relaxation of this season despite a 2-7 file, has caught with Tagovailoa so far.

But beyond that, interim GM Champ Kelly could have other choices — and that’s where it could get costly for the Dolphins.

Tua Tagovailoa in motion for the Dolphins on Oct. 30, 2025. Nathan Ray Seebeck-Imagn Images

The 27-year-old Tagovailoa signed a four-year, $212.4 million contract extension in the 2024 offseason that included $54 million assured for the 2026 season — and $3 million more is assured for 2027 if he’s still in Miami on the third day of next season.

But the Dolphins could comply with the lead of the Denver Broncos, who reduce Russell Wilson last 12 months at the price of $85 million in lifeless wage cap, which was the most ever by an NFL team.

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An analogous transfer by Miami with Tagovailoa would break that file and price $99.2 million.

If they were in a position to commerce him before June 1, it would imply $45.2 million in lifeless cash, according to Rapoport.

Should the Dolphins reduce him after June 1, they could unfold the cap hit over two seasons, with $67.4 million due next 12 months and $31.8 million in ‘27.

Or the Dolphins could commerce Tagovailoa — who they chosen fifth general in the 2020 draft — in the offseason to a team that has a younger quarterback and use the veteran as a bridge QB, with Miami paying down some of the wage.