It’s no secret that the biggest offseason decision that the Miami Dolphins will make would be at the QB position, with the much maligned Tua Tagovailoa potentially going on the trade block. Now it looks like an official decision has been made.
With a whole new coaching staff, including head coach Jeff Hafley, at the helm and a new face of the front office in general manager Jon-Eric Sullivan, the Dolphins will be looking to start anew at the QB position headed into the 2026-27 season. According to Tom Pelissero, “all signs are pointing toward Miami’s new regime moving on at quarterback.”
A New Regime, A New Direction
Things could be a bit complicated for the Dolphins as the former No. 5 overall pick had signed a four year, 212.4 million dollar extension before the 2024 season. While there could be rumors of a trade, it would not be wholly beneficial to the Fins, as they would have to eat a bit of Tua’s guaranteed salary he has for 2026. That number would be upwards of 40 million dollars, and it could be as high as 45 million should they trade him before June 1st.
The worst part of the Tua narrative though for the Dolphins is the decline in performances. from the QB who was the first Dolphins since Dan Marino to lead the NFL in passing yards, to throwing for 15 interceptions in only 14 games this season, it has been brutal for the QB.
Add in the fact that Tua was only 7-18 against teams with winning records in Miami, and the toughness of Tua’s time in Miami is just even more magnified.
Exploring the Trade Market
There are several NFL teams however that could end up taking a swing for Tua in free agency. One potential trade candidate that could make the most sense for the Dolphins is the Arizona Cardinals. For Tua, it could be a fresh start with a team that is looking for a schematic fit for new head coach Mike Lafleur, who stems form the Shanahan tree.
Another interesting team to look out for is the Minnesota Vikings. After seeing Sam Darnold become a Super Bowl championship after not extending him, they could be looking for QB help yet agains or maybe just some friendly competition for the young JJ Mccarthy, who struggled in his first year as a starter.
To some, the talk surrounding Tua Tagovailoa could be annoying as they simply want the whole saga to be over with. Still, others may care about how a potential trade could impact the future of the team. Ian Rapoport said as much on the Jim Rome Show.
As of right now however, the trade market for Tua isn’t quite set as there a re other free agent QBs who will set the tone of how free agency could play out. Still, knowing now that the Dolphins are expected to move on from him creates a mysterious intrigue around the Miami Dolphins and their future at the quarterback position.
Dolphins Expected to Trade Tua Tagovailoa: Report