Dolphins GM: 'Getting Close' to Decision on Tua Tagovailoa's Future in Miami
General manager Jon-Eric Sullivan told fans Thursday night that the Miami Dolphins are close to deciding whether Tua Tagovailoa will remain the team's starting quarterback. Sullivan said the organization will add competition to the position group and promised Tua will be informed before the public. The announcement could come before the new league year begins on March 11, 2026.
Sullivan: candid conversation, competition coming
Speaking at a fan event, Sullivan said he recently met with Tagovailoa and called the conversation "very good. " He praised Tua's contributions to the franchise while stressing uncertainty over the immediate future: "We’re working through some things, " Sullivan said. He made clear the front office will bring competition into the quarterback room regardless of whether Tua remains part of it, and that the team has been transparent with the player throughout the process. Coach Jeff Hafley offered a brief response at the same event, effectively deferring to the general manager's remarks.
Timeline and signals: decision could be imminent
Internal chatter and league insiders have signaled that the Dolphins' new decision-makers are leaning toward a change before the March 11, 2026 start of the new league year. Sullivan's phrasing — "we're getting close to a decision" — and the promise that Tua will be notified first suggest the team is finalizing its plan. That timeline raises the likelihood of a move that will be executed well in advance of free agency and roster-salary calendar milestones.
Financial mechanics: trade versus release
How the team parts ways matters. Trading Tagovailoa would likely force the Dolphins to absorb a significant portion of his $54 million fully guaranteed salary, plus roughly $45. 2 million in dead-money cap hit in 2026. Cutting him outright would generate no incoming compensation but would allow Miami to spread approximately $99 million in dead-cap charges across the next two seasons. Those figures create real tradeoffs between immediate cap relief, long-term flexibility and the chance to recoup assets in a deal.
Performance and context: why the move is on the table
Tagovailoa finished the most recent season with 2, 260 passing yards, 20 touchdowns and 15 interceptions over 14 games. The quarterback’s struggles late in the year led to a benching during the stretch run, a development that appears to have accelerated the club's evaluation of its long-term plan at the position. With a new front office in place, the organization seems intent on re-examining the roster and ensuring the quarterback room is built to be competitive and sustainable.
What to watch next
Key dates and decisions to monitor include whether the Dolphins pursue a trade package in the coming weeks or opt for a contract post-release that spreads dead money. Sullivan's promise that Tagovailoa will be told first is notable; it suggests the team is still managing the process privately and may seek a controlled exit if that's the chosen path. The quarterback market and discussions among analysts and former players — with names such as Keyshawn Johnson often surfacing in broader QB debates — will heat up if Miami moves on.
Implications for the roster
If the organization declines to move forward with Tagovailoa, the front office will be positioned to add competition either the draft or free agency. Sullivan's emphasis on competition indicates the team plans to target upgrades or different fits under center, while balancing the financial realities of whatever choice they make. For now, the Dolphins' decision appears close, and the franchise will likely reveal its direction in short order.
