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Dolphins Near Decision on Tua Tagovailoa as Trade Interest Reportedly Evaporates

Costly guarantees and an option bonus due next month are pushing Miami to weigh an expensive trade subsidy, a post–June 1 cut or retaining him in a reduced role.

Overview

  • GM Jon-Eric Sullivan told fans the team is getting close to a call on Tagovailoa and will add competition to the quarterback room regardless of his status.
  • Jason La Canfora reported rival executives see no trade market for Tagovailoa, tightening Miami’s realistic exit routes.
  • Tagovailoa has $54 million fully guaranteed for 2026, with a $15 million option bonus tied to the opening days of the new league year in March.
  • A release would create roughly $99.2 million in dead money spread over two seasons with a post–June 1 designation, while a pre–June 1 trade would leave about $45.2 million in dead cap and likely require Miami to eat salary.
  • Miami is evaluating replacements across free agency and the draft, with Malik Willis frequently linked to the new regime and Quinn Ewers already on the roster.