Dolphins predicted to move on from $54 million mistake...eventually

Miami Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa's future with the AFC East franchise is murky at best as we head into the offseason.

After being demoted for the last portion of the 2025 season, with the Dolphins wanting to see what Quinn Ewers had in his locker, what the franchise does now is fascinating.

With a new head coach and general manager, many think it is only a matter of time before Tua is out of Miami and looking for work elsewhere.

And CBS Sports' Joel Corry, in his Agents Take piece, thinks Tua is gone.

"It's not a matter of if but when the Dolphins part ways with Tagovailoa," Corry wrote. "After being demoted to third-string quarterback by former Dolphins head coach Mike McDaniel after 14 games, Tagovailoa is ready for a change of scenery. The new regime of general manager Jon-Eric Sullivan and head coach Jeff Hafley will probably go in a different direction at quarterback next season."

More: Dolphins hire new play caller in former Texans OC to replace Mike McDaniel

Will Dolphins stay with Tua?

That is the biggest question of the offseason, and looking at Tua's contract, it is easier for Miami to keep him.

The dead money and cap charges that come with either trading him or releasing him are astronomical.

If he's cut pre-June 1, Miami eats $99 million in dead money, per Over The Cap, and saves $42 million. If he's cut post-June 1, Miami eats $67 million in dead money and saves just $11 million.

As Corry points out in his piece, if Tua is traded, he has $54 million guaranteed for 2026.

Who is paying that? Likely not too many teams.

So, the Dolphins appear to be in a tough spot here. They might not want to have Tua on the books for 2026, but given his contract, they might have to.

More NFL news: 

• Mike McCarthy could have great asset in Year 1 with Steelers
• Drake Maye injury update: Patriots' Mike Vrabel addresses QB concerns
• Chiefs coach unknowingly drops monster update on Travis Kelce's future
• Will Travis Kelce retire? Chiefs offer hope for 2026 return
• Buccaneers' Mike Evans has 1 suitor in NFL free agency
• Why Bills' Joe Brady has hardest job in football in 2026