The Miami Dolphins are on the verge of a franchise-altering decision regarding quarterback Tua Tagovailoa, with a resolution expected to be announced imminently as the NFL Scouting Combine brings all 32 general managers to Indianapolis. According to a report from NFL insider Tony Pauline, the Dolphins’ immediate plans for Tagovailoa’s future could be made public before the combine concludes this Sunday, accelerating an offseason of significant change.
Sources close to the situation indicate a widespread expectation that Tagovailoa will not be with the Dolphins for the 2026 season opener. This sets the stage for a pivotal week of negotiations, where Dolphins General Manager John Eric Sullivan is tasked with gauging the trade market among his peers. The ultimate choice appears to be between orchestrating a trade or executing a release, with the latter seen as the more probable outcome.
Financial complexities are driving the decision. A pre-June 1st release would create a staggering $99 million dead cap hit for 2026, crippling the team’s ability to build a competitive roster. Analysts project the more likely path is a post-June 1st designation, which, while still carrying a $67 million cap charge this year, spreads the financial impact and yields significant savings in 2027 and 2028, offering a more manageable rebuild.
This week’s combine meetings will allow Sullivan to determine if any team is willing to acquire Tagovailoa, likely requiring Miami to attach draft capital and absorb a large portion of his salary. Should trade interest prove insufficient, a release is anticipated shortly, possibly before free agency opens on March 9th, to avoid future guaranteed money triggers.
The quarterback’s potential departure is not the only major roster move looming. The Dolphins are also expected to finalize the release of veteran pass rusher Bradley Chubb, with the timing—pre- or post-June 1st—still being determined based on the team’s immediate cap needs. Furthermore, a trade of safety Minkah Fitzpatrick is considered a strong possibility this week, which would further accumulate draft assets for the rebuilding franchise.
Amidst the speculation, CBS Sports identified four potential trade destinations for Tagovailoa, though each presents considerable obstacles. The Minnesota Vikings were mentioned, but the presence of former Dolphins head coach Brian Flores, whom Tagovailoa has accused of past mistreatment, makes a reunion highly unlikely. The Arizona Cardinals, themselves likely to move on from Kyler Murray, were listed but are considered an improbable fit.
More plausible suitors include the Indianapolis Colts, who could view Tagovailoa as a short-term bridge while Daniel Jones recovers from injury, and the Atlanta Falcons, who might value his left-handed skill set behind Michael Penix Jr. However, the consensus among league observers is that a trade remains a long shot due to Tagovailoa’s contract and the ensuing media circus.
The prevailing prediction is that Tagovailoa will be released and subsequently sign a veteran-minimum deal elsewhere, with the Los Angeles Rams emerging as a logical destination. There, he could rehabilitate his value under coach Sean McVay while backing up Matthew Stafford, positioning himself for a potential starting role in 2027.
As the combine unfolds, the Dolphins’ front office is navigating a critical juncture. The decisions made regarding Tagovailoa, Chubb, and Fitzpatrick will define the team’s trajectory for years to come, signaling a clear pivot toward a future built through the draft and financial flexibility. The NFL world now awaits an official announcement, which sources suggest could come within days, marking the end of an era in Miami.
