FILE – In this Sunday, Sept. 12, 2021 file photo, Miami Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa passes against the New England Patriots during the first half of an NFL football game in Foxborough, Mass. Quarterback Tua Tagovailoa has fractured ribs and won’t play Sunday, Sept. 26, 2021 when the Dolphins visit the Raiders. Miami coach Brian Flores did not want to offer a timetable for a potential return but said Tagovailoa is already improving. Jacoby Brissett will start against Las Vegas.(AP Photo/Winslow Townson, File)
The Dolphins made their biggest move of the offseason when they cut ties with Tua Tagovailoa and turned the offense over to Malik Willis. The decision ended six seasons of highs and lows with Tua and opened the door for a new era in Miami.
General manager Jon Eric Sullivan told Tagovailoa and his representatives that the team planned to move in a different direction. He delivered the message with clarity and finality. The Dolphins will release Tagovailoa after the league year begins on Wednesday afternoon. The move creates a ninety nine million dollar dead cap hit, the largest in NFL history.
Miami targeted Willis from the moment the front office committed to a reset. A person familiar with the negotiations confirmed that the Dolphins reached an agreement with the former Green Bay quarterback. The deal still needs final touches, but the Dolphins expect Willis to take over as the starter.
Willis reunites with Sullivan and new head coach Jeff Hafley. All three worked together in Green Bay. Willis produced eye catching numbers in limited action with the Packers. He completed seventy of eighty nine passes for nine hundred seventy two yards with six touchdowns and no interceptions across three games over two seasons. Miami believes he can thrive with a full time opportunity.
Tua Says Goodbye to Miami
Tagovailoa thanked the Dolphins and the city of Miami in an emotional message on social media. He expressed gratitude for the support he received and the life he built during his time with the franchise. He also admitted regret that he never delivered the playoff breakthrough the city wanted.
Tua started seventy six games for the Dolphins and posted a forty four and thirty two record. He led the league in passing yards in twenty twenty three and delivered stretches of high level play. He also battled concussions, inconsistency, and criticism throughout his tenure. His fifteen interceptions last season and a late season benching signaled that his time in Miami neared its end.
A Franchise Resets Again
The Dolphins continue a sweeping overhaul under their new leadership. Miami already moved on from Tyreek Hill and Bradley Chubb. The team also agreed to trade Minkah Fitzpatrick to the Jets for a seventh round pick. The quarterback question remained the final unresolved issue. The Dolphins answered it on Monday.
Tagovailoa lost his starting job late last season when former coach Mike McDaniel turned to rookie Quinn Ewers. The move confirmed that the organization no longer trusted Tua to lead the offense. With McDaniel gone and a new regime in place, the Dolphins chose a clean break.
The Willis Era Begins
Willis becomes the twenty eighth quarterback to start for Miami since Dan Marino retired. The Dolphins believe he brings upside, familiarity with the system, and the confidence to lead a team searching for stability.
Tagovailoa closed his farewell message with appreciation for the fans and the city. He said he will always carry Miami with him.
The Dolphins now move forward with a new quarterback, a new coach, and a new identity. The Willis era starts now.
