Tua Tagovailoa Eyes New NFL Opportunities Beyond Dolphins
The Miami Dolphins selected Tua Tagovailoa as the fifth overall pick in the 2020 NFL Draft. Recently, the quarterback expressed his willingness to explore opportunities outside Miami. He stated that playing for another NFL team would be “dope.” This statement came during his first interaction with reporters since being benched in December 2023.
Tua Tagovailoa’s Performance Overview
Throughout his tenure with the Dolphins, Tagovailoa has shown moments of brilliance. In 2022, he achieved the best passing-efficiency rating in the league. By 2023, he led the NFL with 4,624 passing yards and earned a spot in the Pro Bowl.
Challenges in 2024 and 2025
- In 2024, injuries sidelined Tagovailoa for six games. Despite this, he ranked fourth in average passing yards per game and boasted the highest completion percentage in the NFL.
- As the 2025 season began, he held the ninth-best passing-efficiency rating in NFL history among quarterbacks with at least 2,000 passes. Notably, he maintained a 38-24 record as a starter.
However, the 2025 season proved challenging for Tagovailoa. His completion rate dropped to 67.7 percent. Additionally, his interception rate saw a significant increase, and he averaged 70.6 fewer passing yards per game compared to the previous year.
Comparative Statistics
| Year | Completion % | Passing Yards | Touchdowns | Interceptions | Passer Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 | N/A | 4,624 | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| 2025 | 67.7% | 2,660 | 20 | 15 | 88.5 |
When benched, he had the highest number of interceptions in the league and ranked mid-table in various categories including touchdown passes and passing efficacy. Miami recorded a 6-8 record at that point, extending their playoff victory drought.
Contract Implications for Tua Tagovailoa
Tua Tagovailoa’s contract poses complications for the Dolphins. Should he remain on the roster, his cap hit for 2026 will be $57 million. The contract guarantees $54 million for that season. Moreover, if he stays three days past the upcoming free agency, $3 million of his 2027 salary will become guaranteed, further complicating matters.
- If released before the free-agency period, he could cost Miami $99.2 million against the salary cap.
- Trading Tagovailoa would still result in a cap hit of $45.2 million for the Dolphins in 2026.
These financial considerations suggest that both Tagovailoa and the Dolphins face pivotal decisions as they move forward.
