Tua Tagovailoa landing spot revealed with $35.5m free agent set to make way for Dolphins QB

Feb 26, 2026 - 13:00

Tua Tagovailoa will likely have a new home by the time the 2026 NFL regular season kicks off.

The former first round pick’s tenure with the Miami Dolphins looks to have run its course after he was benched for the final three games in favor of a rookie Quinn Ewers.

Tua Tagovailoa #1 of the Miami Dolphins waves to fans — Tagovailoa looks to have played his final down as a Dolphin

This came after Tagovailoa threw for just 20 touchdowns and a career-high 15 interceptions in just 14 outings in his sixth season under center.

Dolphins GM Jon-Eric Sullivan made the admission at the 2026 NFL Scouting Combine that “everything is on the table” regarding the team’s plans for Tagovailoa this off-season.

“We’re evaluating the entire roster, right. As it pertains to Tua [Tagovailoa], we’ve had conversations with Tua and his representation, everything is on the table including the potential of a trade,” Sullivan said.

“We don’t know which way that’s gonna go. There’s a lot of different factors at play, lotta conversations being had.

“But evaluating the roster, Quinn [Ewers] did a nice job towards the end of the year. Excited about what’s ahead for him.

“Tua, I thought even though things did go well at the end of the year, did some good things along the way and it’s my job to infuse competition into that room, as well as every other room, as we go down the road.”

Lambeau Field could serve as Tagovailoa’s new home

With the likelihood of a departure from the Vice City speculation surrounding Tagovailoa’s next landing spot has continued to dominate the headlines.

ESPN senior NFL insider Adam Schefter proposes that both the 27-year-old and Arizona Cardinals quarterback Kyler Murray – who also finds himself on the trade block – could be a good fit for the Green Bay Packers, albeit serving as a backup to Jordan Love.

“If I were a guy like Kyler Murray or Tua Tagovailoa, a Green Bay would be appealing to me,” Schefter said, via ESPN Milwaukee. “You’re with a good organization and a good system with good talented players.

“You take a year to kind of reset yourself and decompress and learn and see things from a different perspective. There are worse places to wind up than Green Bay for one of those guys.

Tua Tagovailoa puts his hands on his helmet — Tagovailoa’s contract may cause huge problems for Miami in their pursuit of trading their former star

GLENDALE, ARIZONA - DECEMBER 08: Kyler Murray #1 of the Arizona Cardinals celebrates after scoring a touchdown in the first quarter against the Seattle Seahawks at State Farm Stadium on December 08, 2024 in Glendale, Arizona. (Photo by Norm Hall/Getty Images) — Kyler Murray and the Cardinals appear to be heading for a divorce

“I’m sure those guys are going to want to play and start and that’s not the case in Green Bay.

“But if they can’t get that opportunity, then you would think a place like Green Bay would be very attractive to a lot of these guys.”

However, Tagovailoa would be very difficult to trade due to his $212.4 million contract extension signed back in July 2024.

The Dolphins could consider axing him, but the caveat to that is they would absorb a dead cap hit in 2026 worth a hefty $99.2 million – which would set an NFL record if consumed.

Packers entering market for new backup QB

Although the Packers have their long-term future under center in Love, the organization will need to bring in additional depth at the quarterback position during the offseason.

This comes following the expected departure of last season’s backup Malik Willis.

GREEN BAY, WISCONSIN - SEPTEMBER 11: Jordan Love #10 of the Green Bay Packers warms up prior to the game against the Washington Commanders at Lambeau Field on September 11, 2025 in Green Bay, Wisconsin. (Photo by Patrick McDermott/Getty Images) — Love may be the Packers’ starting QB, but they will be seeking depth at the position in the offseason

Malik Willis #2 of the Green Bay Packers runs the ball to score a touchdown during the first half of an NFL football game against the Baltimore Ravens at Lambeau Field on December 27, 2025 — Malik Willis impressed in 2025, and will now be sought after in free agency

The former second-round pick spent the 2024 and 2025 campaigns as QB2 at Lambeau Field, but was forced into action down the back stretch of last season following an injury to Love.

Willis made the most of opportunity, where in four outings – one start – he completed 85.7 percent of his passes for 422 yards and three touchdowns to zero interceptions.

Using his legs, he tacked on an additional 123 rushing yards and two scores.

Ranked as the No. 1 free agent available on the market this off-season, Spotrac has estimated the 26-year-old’s market value to command approximately $35.5 million per season.

Due to his prior relationships with Sullivan and new Dolphins head coach Jeff Hafley from their time shared in Green Bay, Miami has emerged as one of the front-runners to land the coveted quarterback.

But they face fierce competition from teams all around the NFL, with the Cardinals, the new-look Cleveland Browns and Pittsburgh Steelers all having been linked with pursuing the former Auburn and Liberty star.

At the end of the day, it may come down who is prepared to pay Willis the most for his services.

Stay up to date with the latest from the WNBA across all platforms – follow our dedicated talkSPORT USA Facebook page and subscribe to our talkSPORT USA YouTube channel for all the news, exclusives, interviews and more.