Overview
- Tagovailoa told reporters a fresh start elsewhere "would be dope" and said he would be good with it, declining further comment.
- Head coach Mike McDaniel scheduled an 8 a.m. Tuesday meeting with Tagovailoa, said he would not close the door on a return, and forecast a quarterback competition in 2026.
- Tagovailoa was benched after Week 15 and designated emergency third-string for the final three games as rookie Quinn Ewers started with Zach Wilson as the primary backup.
- Tagovailoa carries a 2026 cap hit of roughly $56.4 million with $54 million guaranteed; a pre-June 1 release would create about $99.2 million in dead money, with a post-June 1 split estimated at $67.4 million in 2026 and $31.8 million in 2027.
- The Dolphins finished 7-10 after firing GM Chris Grier in October, and the incoming general manager will help determine whether Miami keeps, trades, or parts ways with Tagovailoa following a 2,660-yard, 20-TD, 15-INT season.