The Miami Dolphins, after Mike McDaniel decided to bench Tua Tagovailoa for Week 16 and beyond, now have a clear need to part with the $212 million QB in 2026.
With a huge cap hit to deal with in the future, the Dolphins need to figure out a way to move on from Tagovailoa without dramatically hurting their chances to field a competitive team in 2026.
Fortunately, as ESPN's Adam Schefter shared, Tyreek Hill, who's been out since early this season with a brutal injury, could be a huge help for the Dolphins when it comes to cutting ties with Tagovailoa.
How Tyreek Hill can help Dolphins cut ties with Tua Tagovailoa
"However the Tagovailoa breakup is executed," Schefter writes, "help could come in the form of wide receiver Tyreek Hill, who currently is slated to have a $52 million salary cap number next season."
Hill's massive $52 million salary cap charge can be significantly cut down if they decide to release the superstar wide receiver this offseason.
If they cut Hill before June 1, then the Dolohins would net $23.65 million in salary cap relief, and if they designated him as a post-June 1 release, then the Dolphins would save $36 million in cap space.
More: Tua Tagovailoa's contract looks like a nightmare for the Dolphins
With such a huge amount of money tied up in Tagovailoa, with his dead cap hit leading to a $67.4 million loss at the least if the Dolphins cut him this offseason, Hill's huge cap saving could help negate the massive charge against the Dolphins.
Hill was likely to be released this offseason anyway, as the cap saving he'd bring would give the Dolphins extra wiggle room in the upcoming offseason.
And now, with Tagovailoa becoming an issue to deal with, Hill's massive cap savings are more important than ever. Miami is planning to move on from Tagovailoa, and in turn, Hill will likely join him.
It's the end of an era in Miami with Tagovailoa and Hill likely on their way out. But, with some cap manipulation, the Dolphins will be able to mitigate their lost money this offseason when both Tagovailoa and Hill are cut or traded.
More Dolphins News:
- Mike McDaniel gives bizarre answer for Dolphins' lack of late-game urgency vs. Steelers
- Dolphins can't keep handing Tua Tagovailoa the QB Job after Steelers loss
- Dolphins playoff picture: Updated chances for Miami to make 2025 NFL postseason after Week 15 loss to Steelers
- Dolphins gave up on their playoff chances with head-scratching 4th quarter vs. Steelers
- Steelers vs. Dolphins final score, results: Rodgers throws two touchdowns, Steelers bully Dolphins to stay atop AFC North