The Miami Dolphins will be releasing Tua Tagovailoa at the start of the new season. Tua spent six seasons with the Dolphins. Tagovailoa tossed a career-high 15 INTs in 2025. The move will leave Miami with an NFL-record $99 million in dead money against the salary cap. The Dolphins announced their intention to release Tagovailoa in a statement today. The post-June 1 designation likely will leave the Dolphins with a $67.4 million dead hit against their salary cap in 2026. Tua Tagovailoa is still young seeing he just turned 28-years old a week ago. Tua has a history of concussions but still should have suitors. Below are five possible destinations for Tua Tagovailoa.
Minnesota Vikings
The Minnesota Vikings would be the perfect landing spot for Tua. The Vikings will be looking to being in a veteran to compete with or replace J.J. McCarthy. Any quarterback would strive in an offense that features Justin Jefferson. The only hurdle is the relationship with defensive coordinator Brian Flores. In 2024, Tua criticized Brian Flores for comments he made to the quarterback when he was the coach of Miami. The Minnesota Vikings would be a great landing spot for Tua, but him and Flores would have to reconcile.
Atlanta Falcons
Michael Penix Jr. will miss a good portion of the upcoming season. Penix went out towards the end of last season with a torn ACL. Atlanta is planning to release Kirk Cousins, and the Falcons could bring him back. To me, the Falcons isn’t one of the potential destinations for Cousins when he’s released. Tua could strive in the Falcons system seeing they do have Bijan Robinson. Atlanta wouldn’t have to sign a large contract to acquire Tua also. Tua Tagovailoa plays well in Atlanta dating back to his days at Alabama. Last season, Tua had his best game of the season in Atlanta when the Dolphins blew out the Falcons.
Indianapolis Colts
The Indianapolis Colts is another possibility where Tua could play in the 2026 season. Daniel Jones could miss all or at least a majority of the season. Jones ruptured his Achilles towards the end of the season a year ago. The Colts applied the $37.833 million transition tag to quarterback Daniel Jones for the 2026 season. With the deal, they secure the rights of first refusal to match any offer Jones receives. Anthony Richardson is looking to be traded, so that’s leaves a spot for Tua. Shane Steichen is a great coach and one that Tua could do well under his tutelage.
Arizona Cardinals
The Arizona Cardinals have informed Kyler Murray that they’re going to release him. Jacoby Brissett done a good job in relief of Kyler Murray a season ago. Brissett is locked in with the Cardinals for one more year. For the 2026 season, Brissett’s base salary of approximately $4.88 million and a cap hit of over $9 million. Arizona could bring in Tua for a cheap price also. The question is, would Tua even go to the Cardinals?
Green Bay Packers
The Green Bay Packers have lost Malik Willis to the Miami Dolphins. Willis benefited from being the backup to Jordan Love. Love missed time throughout Willis’s tenure in Green Bay. Willis showed he could be a quality starter in the league. Would Tua sign with Green Bay and learn under Matt LaFleur? With Jordan Love often being injured, Tua would probably get the opportunity to show his skills in the Green Bay system.
