The Miami Dolphins‘ trials and tribulations have been well-documented this season. From starting their season 1-3 and later falling to 1-6, to Tyreek Hill’s season-ending injury, and an in-season firing of general manager Chris Grier, the Dolphins have had a challenging year. Now Tua Tagovailoa has lost his job as Miami’s starting quarterback after leading the NFL with 15 interceptions.
Many believe now that the Dolphins have benched Tagovailoa for poor performance, there’s a strong chance he never plays another down for Miami again. In fact, that could be exactly what happens.
According to ESPN’s Adam Schefter, the “most likely scenario” involves Tagovailoa getting cut from the team this offseason.
“Tua Tagovailoa’s future certainly does not look like it will be in Miami in 2026. The Dolphins are currently looking for a new general manager, and whoever they hire will decide what happens with Tua. The most likely scenario will be that he would be released. However, there is a scenario where maybe they could figure out a trade for him, where they’re giving up some draft compensation and pay down some of his salary, but it doesn’t seem like his future will be in Miami.”
Yet, NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport doesn’t agree. He believes the Dolphins are more likely to find a trade partner for the $212 million QB.
“They could simply cut him and eat $99 million of dead cap split over the next two seasons, like the Broncos did with Russell Wilson,” Rapoport said. “They can try to trade him and eat some of that money. That is their preferred option and maybe the most likely. They could also keep him as a highly paid backup … that is unlikely.
From @NFLGameDay: #Dolphins coach Mike McDaniel is likely to be back in 2026, though Tua Tagovailoa is not. Where does it stand for Miami? pic.twitter.com/H7dxWxc6gQ
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) December 21, 2025
Whether he’s cut or traded, it sure seems like the Dolphins will find a way to rid themselves of their Pro Bowl QB who they selected fifth overall in the 2020 NFL Draft.
Related: Miami Dolphins Made Mega Trade Offer for Top QB
