The Tua Tagovailoa era in Miami is officially over, and the bill has come due in historic fashion. The franchise appears to be taking a hit of $99 million. Dolphins general manager Jon Eric-Sullivan recently released the official statement of moving away from the 28-year-old.

Tua was a first-round (5th overall) pick from the 2020 NFL Draft, spending six seasons at the Hard Rock Stadium. Following an impressive show in his first few seasons, he earned the team’s confidence that he can be their long-term QB solution.

As a result, the Dolphins offered him a massive $212 million contract extension in 2024 for four years. However, after the premature end of the contract before 2026, the Dolphins are absorbing this financial hit.

From the rookie season in 2020, he became a starter when he was the QB1 in 9 games. His production peaked in the 2023 season after registering a career-best 4,624 passing yards and 29 passing touchdowns.

He not only took his team to the postseason but also earned the only Pro Bowl honor of his career. His exceptional form that year was enough for the Dolphins to secure his services with a lucrative, high-value contract.

However, the 2025 campaign was disastrous for the 28-year-old. With an alarming 15 interceptions, he only managed 2,660 passing yards in 14 games before getting benched by the former head coach, Mike McDaniel.

The Aqua and White had a 6-8 record in the 14 games Tua started. The decision to bench the highest-paid player of the squad was seemingly the final nail in the coffin of his Dolphins career. The move strongly suggested that they did not see him as someone who would be involved in the team’s plans going forward.

While his Dolphins career has come to an end, the signal-caller’s NFL future may still be alive, considering he is only 28. Since releasing him removed the cap conundrum, many teams could be interested in Tua, but likely at a substantially reduced price.

Atlanta Falcons eye Tua Tagovailoa as a quarterback solution

With Tua Tagovailoa officially hitting free agency, he could be a primary target for teams that are in dire need of a quarterback who combines starting responsibilities with years of experience. Under the right setup and the right coach, he could regain his old form.

As per a report, the Atlanta Falcons are the top team in the race for the 28-year-old. The franchise is moving on from Kirk Cousins, and Tua could be a suitable and younger replacement for that position.

“There has been mutual interest,” NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport recently said. “And with Atlanta potentially needing a veteran with starting experience, Tua is likely it.”

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On the other hand, after Justin Fields’ struggles last season, the New York Jets are looking to sign a new quarterback through free agency, trade, or the NFL Draft. Considering his current availability, the seasoned Dolphins star could be a viable choice for Aaron Glenn next season.