'When #Tank4Tua Backfires 💀,' NFL Fans React to Tua Tagovailoa's Release from Dolphins

Tua Tagovailoa is just the latest example of how difficult it can be to identify and develop a bona fide franchise quarterback in the NFL.

Heading into the 2019 season, the opinions of Tagovailoa were so high that a "Tank for Tua" movement gained steam. He seemed to be a can't-miss prospect, though he was eventually overtaken by Heisman Trophy winner and national champion Joe Burrow.

While the Dolphins got their man, what resulted was a largely disappointing run.

Now, the franchise is out of the Tua Tagovailoa business altogether. General manager Jon-Eric Sullivan announced Monday the southpaw will be released.

Fans reacted accordingly on social media:

Tagovailoa's six years in South Florida weren't a total disaster. He went 44-32 as a starter and was a Pro Bowler in 2023 while leading the NFL in passing yards. There were stretches when Miami's offense was electric and raised hopes of a Super Bowl run.

But making only two playoff trips wasn't good enough, and the way the 28-year-old regressed under center the past two seasons led many to assume his exit was inevitable.

The fact the Dolphins are willing to absorb such a massive financial hit by parting ways speaks for itself.

Where the team goes from here is anybody's guess.

Sullivan is doing his best to create a clean slate and undo some of the biggest moves his predecessor, Chris Grier, executed. Between starting a rebuild and having limited salary cap space, it's tough to see how the front office makes a serious run at free agent Malik Willis.

In all likelihood, the Dolphins will take a one-year flier on a veteran while positioning themselves to build around a younger alternative in 2027. It's not unlike how Ryan Fitzpatrick started 13 games in 2019 before Tagovailoa arrived the following spring.

While the process would be the same, the execution is where Sullivan will have the chance to avoid the mistakes Grier made.