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Dolphins Leaders Leave Tua Decision Open, Plan Regular QB Drafting

Jeff Hafley projects an open quarterback competition, signaling a scheme tailored to the roster given Tua Tagovailoa’s costly guarantees.

Overview

  • New GM Jon-Eric Sullivan declined to map out Tua Tagovailoa’s future before speaking with him and said Miami intends to draft a quarterback every year or every other year.
  • Head coach Jeff Hafley said the quarterback plan will take time and emphasized competition at the position, adding he will shape the offense to fit available personnel.
  • Hafley outlined an approach featuring a stronger run game with potential under‑center looks, play‑action elements, and flexibility if the starter is better from the shotgun.
  • Tagovailoa is coming off a benching after a 2025 downturn that included 15 interceptions and career‑low efficiency since his rookie year.
  • Contract dynamics loom large: keeping Tagovailoa would cost about $57 million in 2026, while an early release could trigger a $99.2 million dead‑cap hit that can be split to $67.4 million in 2026 and $31.8 million in 2027 with a post–June 1 designation, as Miami also evaluates in‑house options Quinn Ewers and Cam Miller and reported interest in free agent Malik Willis.