Exploring Tua Tagovailoa’s Potential Trade Options
As the Miami Dolphins prepare for the future, speculation mounts regarding quarterback Tua Tagovailoa and potential trade options. With the 2025 season drawing closer, the Dolphins may move on from Tagovailoa, exploring various avenues to part ways.
Trade Considerations for Tua Tagovailoa
One option for the Dolphins to consider is releasing Tagovailoa on the first day of the 2026 league year. This would utilize a post-June 1 designation, resulting in a cap charge of $99.2 million spread over two years. The breakdown would allocate $55.4 million to the 2026 season and $43.8 million to 2027.
Impact of a Trade Before June 1
Trading Tagovailoa before June 1 presents another scenario. This trade would incur a cap charge of $65.2 million for the 2026 season. Additionally, any team taking on Tagovailoa would assume part of his total compensation package, which stands at $55 million. The more the Dolphins pay, the better the return they could theoretically expect from the acquiring team.
Comparative Trade Strategies
Historically, teams have found unique methods to offload large contracts. For example, in 2017, the Houston Texans traded Brock Osweiler to the Cleveland Browns, unloading $16 million in guaranteed pay. The Browns also received a second-round pick in this deal, which accounted for 9.5 percent of the 2017 salary cap. If the salary cap rises from $279.2 million in 2025 to approximately $300 million in 2026, Tagovailoa’s $54 million in guarantees would represent a substantial 18 percent of the cap.
Given these numbers, convincing another team to absorb Tagovailoa’s financial obligations would likely require more than just a mid-round draft pick.
Alternative Trade Mechanics
The Los Angeles Rams’ 2021 strategy serves as another relevant comparison. They packaged two first-round picks and a third-round pick with Jared Goff, trading him to the Detroit Lions for Matthew Stafford. This approach alleviated the Rams of Goff’s guaranteed contract while still making a strong trade offer.
The Market for Tua Tagovailoa
The most significant question surrounding Tagovailoa’s trade potential is whether other teams value him sufficiently. The upcoming coaching changes across the league will play a critical role in determining interest. Some teams may shy away from Tagovailoa due to concerns about his performance metrics, durability, or turnovers. However, a single coach with confidence in Tagovailoa’s potential could spark interest.
Contractual Implications
If the Dolphins ultimately cut Tagovailoa, he may enter free agency. In this scenario, he could accept a minimum one-year contract of approximately $1.3 million, all while still being entitled to $54 million from his existing contract. This situation sets a favorable stage for a new team to take a chance on the quarterback.
In summary, both trade and release options for Tua Tagovailoa present complex considerations for the Dolphins. As the off-season approaches, the team’s strategy will become clearer, and potential trade partners will emerge based on coaching changes and evaluations of Tagovailoa’s capabilities.
