Fresh Tua Tagovailoa Trade Rumors, Latest on Dolphins' QB Situation Ahead of NFL Free Agency

The Miami Dolphins may have to settle for releasing Tua Tagovailoa if they're resigned to moving on from the veteran quarterback, according to ESPN's Dan Graziano.

Graziano reported Sunday that "the Dolphins continue to tell people that they've had trade talks with teams and haven't given up on trying to trade Tagovailoa."

However, the NFL insider said he expects Tagovailoa to be released by the third day of the NFL's 2026 league year.

Colleague Jeremy Fowler went on to report that one head coach speculated the southpaw could wind up with the Atlanta Falcons when all is said and done.

The Denver Broncos are the obvious example of why it can be better to take your medicine and absorb the massive cost of moving on from a quarterback you no longer value.

Cutting Russell Wilson in 2024 limited what the Broncos could do in free agency, but it cleared a path for Bo Nix to become the starter. Denver even managed to win 10 games and make the playoffs that year.

Graziano pointed out the lack of a clear succession plan in Miami.

There's a reason Quinn Ewers slipped to the seventh round of the 2025 draft. In four appearances as a rookie, he threw for 622 yards, three touchdowns and three interceptions while having an 85.5 QB rating.

▶️ Full Dolphins-Patriots Recap

06:15

In terms of outside replacements, the Dolphins may not have the means or desire to invest a lot of money in a free agent such as Malik Willis. Picking 11th overall in the 2026 draft leaves them in a tough spot there, too.

Indiana's Fernando Mendoza is the top-ranked quarterback (No. 4 overall) in Bleacher Report's big board. Alabama's Ty Simpson (No. 28) is the only other one at the position in the top 50 and only three others (Garrett Nussmeier, Trinidad Chambliss and Carson Beck) cracked the top 100.

Still, there's something to be said for making a break with Tagovailoa on the merits before contemplating what's next.

Miami is clearly turning the page from the Chris Grier and Mike McDaniel era. No fanbase enjoys seeing their favorite team rebuild, but that's the most sensible approach for the Dolphins right now.

Even if they have to start Ewers or a veteran stopgap for a season, wiping the slate clean at quarterback sets the table for the future.