Soccer/Football

Tua Tagovailoa replacement lined up by Dolphins with $30m star and unwanted Raider in mix

Mar 9, 2026 - 15:15

The Miami Dolphins will have a new signal caller running point in 2026.

This comes as the Dolphins have ultimately made the decision to move on from Tua Tagovailoa.

Dolphins QB Tua Tagovailoa knees during an injury time out during the game against the New York Jets on December 7, 2025 — Tagovailoa is officially on the open market having been released by the Dolphins on Monday

The news was revealed on Monday, just hours before the NFL‘s legal negotiating period was due to commence.

It will leave the Dolphins with an NFL-record $99.2 million in dead money against the salary cap.

According to ESPN senior insider Adam Schefter, though, Tagovailoa’s release will be designated post-June 1.

This allows for Miami to split the dead money across two seasons instead of absorbing it all in one hit.

“I recently informed Tua and his representation that we are going to move in a new direction at the quarterback position and will be releasing him after the start of the new league year,” Dolphins general manager Jon-Eric Sullivan said in a team statement on Monday.

“As I shared with Tua, I have great respect for the person and player he is. On behalf of the Miami Dolphins, I expressed our gratitude for his many contributions, both on the field and in the community, during his six seasons in Miami.

“As we move forward, we will be focused on infusing competition across the roster and establishing a strong foundation for this team as we work towards building a sustained winner.”

A former first-round pick in the 2020 NFL Draft, Tagovailoa completed 68 percent of his passes for 18,166 yards through the air, 120 touchdowns and 59 interceptions.

But his 2025 campaign was one to forget, throwing for 2,660 yards and 20 touchdowns to 15 interceptions – the second-most in the league behind that of former Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Geno Smith (17).

The former Alabama signal caller was ultimately benched in favor of a rookie Quinn Ewers and will now be on the market for a new home.

Tua Tagovailoa has a huge contract but could soon be on a new team — Tagovailoa had a dreadful 2025 season which sealed his fate in Miami

Malik Willis #2 of the Green Bay Packers runs with the ball in the second quarter 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

Dolphins in the mix for $30m Willis

With a huge void under center following Tagovailoa’s release, the Dolphins may step up their pursuit to land Malik Willis.

The 26-year-old spent the 2024 and 2025 seasons behind Jordan Love at the Green Bay Packers, but after entering the fold in his teammate’s absence due to injury at points in the season, he made a real impression around the league.

In four outings under center, the former second-round pick completed 85.7 percent of his passes for 422 yards and three touchdowns to zero interceptions.

As such, he is touted as the best quarterback available in free agency, and is expected to command approximately $30 million a season.

The Dolphins are considered one of the leading frontrunners to land Willis due to his previous relationships with Sullivan and new Dolphins head coach Jeff Hafley.

However, Miami will not be the only team in hot pursuit of the former Auburn and Liberty quarterback.

Geno Smith #7 of the Las Vegas Raiders throws a pass against the Dallas Cowboys during the first quarter at Allegiant Stadium — Smith has reportedly eyed Miami as his preferred landing spot

The Arizona Cardinals, who have just moved on from former No. 1 overall pick Kyler Murray, the New York Jets who have moved on from Justin Fields after just one season, and the Cleveland Browns are two other options thought to be very high on Willis.

With the competition fierce, it is no certainty that the Dolphins would even be able to land their prime target, which forces them to consider other options.

According to SNYtv’s Connor Hughes, exiled Raider Smith is on the radar of the Dolphins as a contingency plan, with the 35-year-old identifying the Vice City as his preferred destination.

However, replacing Tagovailoa with the league leader in interceptions last season makes very little sense, which could see the Dolphins pivot to somebody like a Fields or even a Murray if their plans go awry.

Ewers being the starter in Miami cannot be entirely ruled out either, having showed glimpses of potential in his four outings under center in 2025, where he completed 66.3 percent of his passing for 622 yards and three touchdowns, albeit to three interceptions.

Stay up to date with the latest from the NFL 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.