NFL insider reveals 'most likely' scenario for Dolphins, Tua Tagovailoa

The Miami Dolphins are currently enduring another tough season in 2025. 

The team was officially eliminated from playoff contention after losing to the Pittsburgh Steelers in Week 15, and they just suffered another rough loss to the Cincinnati Bengals in Week 16. 

After the loss to the Steelers, head coach Mike McDaniel made the decision to bench quarterback Tua Tagovailoa. The Dolphins' offense has been far below its past production this season, and McDaniel had seen enough of the Tagovailoa experience. 

Considering Tagovailoa's struggles, it wasn't surprising to see him get benched. However, he does have a massive contract after signing a four-year, $212.4 million extension ahead of the 2024 season that won't be easy to deal with. 

On Sunday, NFL insider Adam Schefter appeared on ESPN's "SportsCenter" and revealed the most likely outcome for the quarterback. 

Adam Schefter Believes Release is 'Most Likely' Outcome for Tagovailoa

"Tua Tagovailoa's future certainly does not look like it will be in Miami in 2026," Schefter explained. "The Dolphins are currently looking for a new general manager, and whoever they hire will decide what happens with Tua. The most likely scenario will be that he would be released." 

As Schefter explained, the Dolphins will have a new general manager, and possibly a new a head coach, after this season, which will affect the team's plan. Regardless, it's hard to envision a scenario in which Tagovailoa is kept around in 2026. 

According to Spotrac, the Dolphins would have to eat over $99 million in dead money if they cut Tagovailoa before June 1. That number moves to over $67 million if they cut the quarterback after June 1. 

A trade would be much better for the team's books, but it's hard to imagine a team trading for that contract. It's possible the Dolphins could find a taker if they agree to attach a draft pick and eat some of the money. 

The Dolphins will end the 2025 season with games against Tampa Bay Buccaneers and New England Patriots. The team is expected to stick with rookie Quinn Ewers at quarterback and see if he can prove anything over the final stretch.