Dolphins release Tua Tagovailoa: 3 potential landing spots for veteran QB

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The Tua Tagovailoa era in Miami is over. The Dolphins announced Monday morning that they will release their former franchise quarterback, just hours before NFL free agency begins at noon.

Miami selected Tagovailoa fifth overall in the 2020 draft and gave him a big extension in 2024. He ran the offense for six seasons, throwing for 18,166 yards and 120 touchdowns and making one Pro Bowl.

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The move means that new general manager Jon-Eric Sullivan will not be able to find a trade partner to handle the contract. Tagovailoa was scheduled to receive $54 million guaranteed in 2026, and cutting him left Miami with a brutal $99.2 million dead cap hit.

We have informed QB Tua Tagovailoa that he will be released after the start of the new league year. pic.twitter.com/vc0chU6gYk

— Miami Dolphins (@MiamiDolphins) March 9, 2026

Health issues still plague him, but his ability at quarterback is clear. The real question now is whether another team will give him a starting job. The next step of his career is worth watching as several franchises could use some help under center.

There are three teams that could consider taking him.

Minnesota Vikings:

Kevin O’Connell has quietly built a reputation for getting quarterbacks back on track. Sam Darnold found his footing in Minnesota, and Daniel Jones briefly landed at the Vikings’ facility after the Giants cut him last year. This was well before his return for the 2025 season. Even Joshua Dobbs caught fire for a short period of time running O’Connell’s offense.

In the future, JJ McCarthy is expected to start as a starter in 2026. Still, Minnesota could use better competition in training camp. Former undrafted free agent Max Brosmer looked unprepared in his first game against Seattle. This leaves the Vikings looking for a reliable backup behind McCarthy.

If the contract issues can be resolved, Tagovailoa could actually fit into Minnesota’s quarterback room.

Former Miami Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa leaves the field after the game against the New Orleans Saints at Hard Rock Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Rich Storyry-Imagn Image

Atlanta Falcons:

Michael Penix Jr. has arm talent. There is no doubt about it. Durability is a different story. He suffered a torn ACL last season, his third of his career, which raised new questions about how long he could stay on the field.

This opens the door for Tua Tagovailoa, who could either push Penix out or step in temporarily while he recovers. Atlanta’s offensive makeup makes this scenario interesting. Bijan Robinson, Drake London, and Kyle Pitts Sr. headline a deep group of playmakers, and the offensive line looks like it could give Tua some time in the pocket.

Defensively, there is upside on the roster, but James Pearce Jr.’s availability remains unclear.

Tagovailoa also got to work with two-time NFL Coach of the Year Kevin Stefanski.

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Cleveland Browns:

Cleveland’s quarterback situation is wide open, something new head coach Todd Monken has already made clear. Competition rarely harms a roster trying to reset. None of the current options have Tua Tagovailoa’s resume or track record.

It’s unlikely the Browns will land a sure-fire franchise quarterback in this year’s NFL Draft, so it makes sense to bring in a proven veteran. Tagovailoa entered camp alongside Shedeur Sanders and Deshaun Watson for a starting role.

Cleveland needs stability at that position. Tua has had his struggles in recent seasons, but the success of a rebounder like Sam Darnold or Mac Jones could keep the Browns competitive if Sanders struggles early. Even if Sanders ends up taking the QB1 job, Tagovailoa’s experience could still be helpful during the transition.