Tua Tagovailoa free agent rumors: 5 best fits, likely landing spots for Dolphins QB

The Miami Dolphins have accepted the fact their lucrative contract extension for quarterback Tua Tagovailoa was a bad idea. It also will be a costly decision as they move on from the benched starter in the 2026 NFL offseason.

The Dolphins' decision to release Tagovailoa with a June 1 designation means they will eat $99.1 in dead money spread out over two years, $67.4 million in dead money this year and $31.8 million next year.

There is a imited starting QB trade market for Tagovaila. Here's looking at the teams most likely to take a rebound shot at the 2020 first-rounder.

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Tua Tagovailoa's best free-agent fits

1. Minnesota Vikings

The Vikings have the best former offensive coach connection who isn't Mike McDaniel with the Chargers. Given how things ended in Miami with McDaniel benching Tua, don't expect Tagovailoa to back up Justin Herbert, the QB taken one spot (No. 6 overall) after Tua Tagovailoa in the 2020 NFL Draft.

Tagovailoa's former offensive coordinator, Frank Smith, is a new assistant coach for Kevin O'Connell in Minnesota. The Vikings are looking for reasonable contingencies for J.J. McCarthy in Year 3 and Tagovailoa's former first Dolphins coach Brian Flores also remains their defensive coordinator. They would likely take on Tua for the right price.

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2. Indianapolis Colts

The Colts will be exploring all QB options with little faith in Anthony Richardson after Daniel Jones suffered a torn Achilles late last season. Jones is franchise tagged, but the Colts may need a new contingency. Chris Ballard and Shane Steichen might take a flyer on Tagovailoa should he come at a significant discount with the Dolphins picking up much of the tab.

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3. Arizona Cardinals

The Cardinals are moving on from Kyler Murray in a similar way and could look for more of a pocket passer in the new offense under Mike LaFleur and Nathaniel Hackett. Tagovailoa would be an interesting reclamation project in that scheme with some decent weapons and an improving line.

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4. Carolina Panthers

The Panthers now have a connection to Tagovailoa in veteran offensive assistant Darrell Bevell, who also spent time with the Dolphins under McDaniel. They could explore a flyer on a Tagovailoa for fellow former Alabama QB Bryce Young. Andy Dalton is still the No. 2, under contract for only one more season.

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5. Los Angeles Rams

The Rams would be a clear backup path for Tagovailoa under Sean McVay with Matthew Stafford's current backup, Jimmy Garoppolo, going into free agency. Tagovailoa, only 27, can be an intriguing stash for the near future should Stafford play only one more season.

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