Trending Now - Tua Tagovailoa to Join Falcons After Dolphins Release

WHO:

Tua Tagovailoa, quarterback, Miami Dolphins

Atlanta Falcons, including Michael Penix Jr., quarterback

Jon-Eric Sullivan, general manager of the Miami Dolphins

Jeff Hafley, head coach of the Miami Dolphins

Kevin Stefanski, head coach of the Atlanta Falcons

Ian Cunningham, general manager of the Atlanta Falcons

Matt Ryan, president of football operations for the Atlanta Falcons

WHAT:

Tua Tagovailoa plans to sign a one-year deal with the Atlanta Falcons.

The Miami Dolphins announced they will release Tagovailoa on March 11th, 2026.

The Dolphins will incur a record $99.2 million in dead money on their salary cap due to Tagovailoa's release.

Tagovailoa's 2025 season statistics: 2,660 yards, 20 touchdowns, 15 interceptions, and a 6-8 record as a starter.

Tagovailoa was benched after the Dolphins' 28-15 loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers on December 15th, 2025.

The Dolphins signed Malik Willis as a potential replacement for Tagovailoa.

WHERE:

Miami, Florida (Miami Dolphins)

Atlanta, Georgia (Atlanta Falcons)

WHEN:

Tagovailoa was drafted by the Miami Dolphins with the 5th overall pick in the 2020 NFL Draft.

Tagovailoa signed a four-year, $212.4 million contract extension with the Dolphins in the summer of 2024.

The Dolphins will officially release Tagovailoa on March 11th, 2026.

The Falcons drafted Michael Penix Jr. with the 8th overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft.

WHY:

The Dolphins decided to release Tagovailoa due to a new regime's desire to reset the team's culture and find a new quarterback.

Tagovailoa's tenure with the Dolphins was marked by injuries and inconsistent performance, including being benched after a poor season.

HOW:

The Dolphins attempted to find a trade partner for Tagovailoa but were unsuccessful, leading to his release.

The Dolphins designated Tagovailoa's release as a post-June 1 cut, allowing them to split the dead money over two years.

(UPDATED March 10, 2026 01:23 UTC)

In a significant move, Tua Tagovailoa is set to sign a one-year deal with the Atlanta Falcons after the Miami Dolphins announced they will release him on March 11, incurring a record $99.2 million in dead money on their salary cap. Tagovailoa's time with the Dolphins was marked by injuries and inconsistent performance, culminating in a benching following a disappointing season where he threw for 2,660 yards, 20 touchdowns, and 15 interceptions. The Dolphins had sought a trade partner for Tagovailoa but were unsuccessful, prompting the decision to release him as part of a culture reset under new management.