Where Will Tua Tagovailoa Play in 2026? Dolphins GM Sheds Light on QB's Future amid NFL Trade Rumors

It sounds like quarterback Tua Tagovailoa's time with the Miami Dolphins could be coming to an end soon.

While speaking to reporters at the NFL scouting combine on Tuesday, Dolphins general manager Jon-Eric Sullivan said that "everything is on the table, including the possibility of a trade" involving Tagovailoa. While Tagovailoa hasn't requested a trade, Sullivan added that his reps confirmed the signal-caller wants to keep playing but "have not, in particular, said he wants to stay."

Jonathan Jones of CBS Sports reported that while the Dolphins would "love" to receive draft compensation in a trade for Tagovailoa, as well as a team willing to take on part of his contract, that is viewed as "an extremely unlikely scenario." Jones added that "nearly everyone in the league anticipates" Tua being released with a post-June 1 designation.

After signing Tagovialoa to a four-year, $212.1 million extension in July 2024, the Dolphins already owe him a guaranteed $54 million for the 2026 season, and $3 million of his 2027 salary becomes guaranteed on March 15. It's hard to imagine another team taking that contract off of Miami's hands, especially after Tagovailoa threw a career-high 15 interceptions in 2025 and was benched toward the end of the season.

Sullivan, who was hired this offseason alongside new head coach Jeff Hafley, has wasted no time in making major changes for the Dolphins. The team has already released star wide receiver Tyreek Hill and veteran pass-rusher Bradley Chubb in salary-dumping moves.

It sounds like Tagovailoa could be the next player on his way out of Miami, but the team could have a hard time finding a trade partner willing to take a chance on him.