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The Miami Dolphins are moving on from Tua Tagovailoa, the quarterback they drafted with the fifth overall pick in 2020 in hopes of turning the franchise’s fortunes around.
“As we move forward, we will be focused on infusing competition across the roster and establishing a strong foundation for this team as we work towards building a sustained winner,” Dolphins general manager Jon-Eric Sullivan said in a statement on Monday.
The move will cost the Dolphins an NFL record $99m in dead money against the salary cap. ESPN reported that the move will be designated after 1 June, meaning the Dolphins will spread the hit to their salary cap across two years ($67.4m in 2026, $31.8m in 2027). ESPN also reported that Tagovailoa will sign a one-year deal with the Atlanta Falcons. Atlanta are set to release Kirk Cousins and Michael Penix Jr is recovering from injury.
NFL Network reports that the Dolphins will sign former Green Bay Packers quarterback Malik Willis as Tagovailoa’s replacement. Willis, a third-round pick for the Tennessee Titans in 2022, impressed in relief stints for the Packers when Jordan Love was injured. While Willis is a threat in both the passing and running game and seems to have improved significantly during his time in Green Bay, he has started just six games in his four-year career. NFL Network reported the Dolphins will give Willis a three-year, $67.5m contract.
In other notable moves on Monday, the Kansas City Chiefs are reported to be signing running back Kenneth Walker III, who was Super Bowl MVP this year after helping lead the Seattle Seahawks to victory over the New England Patriots. Travis Kelce is also reported to be returning to the Chiefs for a 14th season.
Mike Evans, who had 11 consecutive 1,000-yard seasons with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, is leaving Florida for the San Francisco 49ers. ESPN reports he has signed a deal with the Niners worth $60.4m over three years.
“Mike Evans’ decision to leave Tampa was never about money,” Evans’s agent, Deryk Gilmore, said. “The Buccaneers were extremely aggressive in their pursuit and presented a very strong offer, demonstrating how much they value him and everything he has meant to the franchise. In the end, this decision simply came down to Mike wanting a new challenge and a fresh opportunity while he still feels he has a great deal left to give the game.
“Tampa Bay will always be a special place for Mike Evans, and his respect and gratitude for the organization and its fans will never change.”
Tagovailoa’s departure comes less than two years after he signed a franchise-record $212.4m extension with Miami.
Tagovailoa is owed $55m in salary in 2026; the Dolphins will need to pay that in full, although it could be partly offset by any team who signs him. The Dolphins had been hoping to find a trade partner for the quarterback but they could not find one.
Tagovailoa showed flashes of promise in Miami, and led the league in passing in 2023 and in passer rating in 2022. However, he struggled with inconsistency and injuries throughout his Dolphins career. Concussions were a particular problem: he has been diagnosed with three so far in his NFL career, and at one point it was feared they could force him into an early retirement.
“As I prepare for the next chapter, I move forward with gratitude, faith, and memories I’ll cherish for a lifetime,” Tagovailoa said in a social media post on Monday. “South Florida will always hold a special place in my heart.”
The 28-year-old led the Dolphins to the playoffs twice during his six seasons in Miami but never won a postseason game. He went 44-32 and threw for 18,166 yards with 120 touchdowns and 59 interceptions.
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