There is no more interesting and important storyline for the Miami Dolphins than what the team decides to do with franchise quarterback Tua Tagovailoa.
He's under contract for a huge amount in 2026, and after being benched in Week 16 by Mike McDaniel for Quinn Ewers, his time in Miami is all but over.
According to a report from ESPN's Adam Schefter, the Dolphins know that Tagovailoa's time in Miami is coming to a close, and are fully prepared to cut ties with their once-franchise QB.
Dolphins prepared to cut ties with Tua Tagovailoa
"The Dolphins moved on from Tagovailoa this week and are prepared to move on from him this offseason, according to league sources," Schefter reported.
While it's hardly a surprise that the Dolphins and Tagovailoa are parting ways, the nature of this report indicates that the Dolphins, well aware of the contract issues, are still ready to move on this offseason.
Whether it's a trade akin to what Brock Osweiler was dealt for, or a release, the Dolphins are fully preparing to move on from the lefty quarterback this offseason.
Tagovailoa is owed $54 million in 2026, which is fully guaranteed. If the Dolphins release him before June 1, then they'd be on the hook for $99 million in 2026 cap space.
More: Tua Tagovailoa's contract looks like a nightmare for the Dolphins
While having it all hit in one year could make things easier in the future, it would be a complete blockade to any moves for Miami in 2026.
The most likely outcome is either the Dolphins attaching a draft pick to make a trade or just releasing Tagovailoa with a post-June 1 designation to spread out the lofty cap hit over two seasons.
Miami is ready to make such a big decision, revealing that the Dolphins are not planning to have Tagovailoa on the roster as a backup next year.
Tagovailoa's time in Miami is up, as the Dolphins are moving on from their top-five draft choice from the 2020 NFL Draft just one year after signing him to a massive $212 million extension.
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