Best NFL Landing Spots for Tua Tagovailoa To Revive Career After Dolphins Release

The Miami Dolphins will embrace a full-blown rebuild. Over the past month, they've parted ways with several veterans. On Monday, the team announced what many expected: Tua Tagovailoa's release. 

The Dolphins will take on an NFL record $99.2 million dead cap hit for cutting Tagovailoa, whom they signed to a four-year, $212.4 million extension during the 2024 offseason. While Miami works through a difficult salary-cap situation, the 28-year-old will look for a new home.

Tagovailoa has played all six of his seasons with the Dolphins, starting in 76 out of 78 games. He led the league with 4,624 passing yards in 2023 and a 72.9 percent completion rate in 2024.

After a drop-off in passing numbers over the previous two campaigns, Tagovailoa needs a reset. While most players look for opportunities to start, the six-year veteran should also consider a backup role with stable teams that have structure in place to help him revive his career.

Let's take a look at five landing spots where Tagovailoa can bounce back as a starter or take a year to regroup in preparation for a new opportunity.

Arizona Cardinals

AP Photo/Rick Scuteri

Arizona Cardinals new head coach Mike LaFleur

In a situation similar to the Miami Dolphins' quarterback conundrum, the Arizona Cardinals took on a massive dead cap hit when they released Kyler Murray. Entering free agency, the Cardinals have Jacoby Brissett and Kendon Slovis on their quarterback depth chart.

Although the Cardinals have been heavily linked to Malik Willis, they could consider Tagovailoa, who will be available at a low market rate. With his starting experience, he can aid the development of a young starter or push him in a competition.

Arizona hired offensive head coach Mike LaFleur, who comes from Sean McVay's coaching tree, which has a decent track record with quarterbacks if you look at what lead skippers Matt LaFleur (Mike's older brother), Kevin O'Connell and Liam Coen have done with their signal-callers.

In Arizona, Tagovailoa could compete for the lead job, and if he doesn't win it, the coaching staff, led by LaFleur, can help him along. Also, the Cardinals have a talented pass-catching group that features All-Pro Trey McBride, Marvin Harrison Jr. and Michael Wilson.

Atlanta Falcons

AP Photo/Mike Stewart

Atlanta Falcons head coach Kevin Stefanski

This offseason, the Atlanta Falcons hired two-time Coach of the Year Kevin Stefanski, who led the Cleveland Browns to the playoffs with a young Baker Mayfield and a 38-year-old Joe Flacco.

The Falcons haven't outright committed to Michael Penix Jr. as their starting quarterback, and they're going to release Kirk Cousins at the start of the new league year, which creates room for competition at the position.

Typically, teams prefer the lead and backup signal-callers to be similar in play style. Atlanta can add another southpaw to the quarterback room behind Penix to avoid a switch from a lefty to a righty under center.

Moreover, Penix has an extensive injury history that dates back to his collegiate years at Indiana. He's currently recovering from ACL surgery. Tagovailoa could compete for the lead position or serve as a high-end backup for a starter with injury concerns.

Yes, Tagovailoa has missed significant playing time due to injury, but he's an accomplished starter who has shown he can perform at a high level. Penix still has a lot to prove and may not be in the new regime's long-term plans. 

Indianapolis Colts

AP Photo/Zach Bolinger

Indianapolis Colts quarterback Daniel Jones (17) talks to Indianapolis Colts head coach Shane Steichen

Last season, Daniel Jones had a career resurgence with the Indianapolis Colts before tearing his ACL in November. Under Shane Steichen, he put together his best season, throwing for 3,101 yards, 19 touchdowns and eight interceptions with a 68 percent completion rate. 

The Colts used the transition tag on Jones, so they have the right of first refusal if he signs an offer sheet with another team. For now, the 28-year-old signal-caller is on Indianapolis' books for $37.8 million.

According to the MMQB's Albert Breer, Jones wants a deal "in the ballpark" of $50 million per year. 

Coming off a serious knee injury, Jones may not get that type of deal. Regardless, he's not a lock to suit up in Week 1 of the upcoming season.

According to ESPN's Jeremy Fowler, the Colts are exploring trade options for Anthony Richardson Sr. Tagovailoa could be the fill-in starter for Jones. If he gets a chance to play, even for a few weeks, the 2023 Pro Bowler can showcase himself on a solid team under a quality, offensive-minded head coach.

Keep in mind that Jones has played in 14 or fewer games in six out of seven seasons. He's battled injuries and been benched. Tagovailoa could eventually get a chance to play as Jones' primary backup.

Los Angeles Rams

AP Photo/Jayne Kamin-Oncea

Los Angeles Rams head coach Sean McVay, left, talks with quarterback Matthew Stafford

Before Baker Mayfield's career revival in Tampa Bay, he played five games with the Los Angeles Rams at the end of the 2022 campaign. 

Mayfield credited Sean McVay and the Rams for a "pivotal" turn in his career (h/t Pro Football Talk's Mike Florio).

"There is no way for me to sugarcoat it — it was pivotal in my career and in my journey," Mayfield said. "I've told you guys that it helped me find the fun in football again — that joy. And just, getting to learn from those guys."

Mayfield went 1-3 in four starts with the Rams, but his short stint with the club clearly had a positive impact on his mindset. Tagovailoa may need the same mental reset after a couple of challenging years in Miami.

In Los Angeles, Tagovailoa wouldn't have a chance to start over Matthew Stafford, but he can learn a lot from the former Super Bowl champion and reigning MVP. 

When Stafford, 38, retires, Tagovailoa would have a chance to succeed him.

Minnesota Vikings

AP Photo

Minnesota Vikings quarterback J.J. McCarthy (9) talks to head coach Kevin O'Connell

Before Sam Darnold won Super Bowl LX with the Seattle Seahawks, he revitalized his career with the Minnesota Vikings, earning his first Pro Bowl nod with the club in 2024. Kirk Cousins put together his most recent Pro Bowl campaign with the Vikings under O'Connell. 

O'Connell works well with veteran quarterbacks, and he wants to bring in competition for J.J. McCarthy, whose status with the team is uncertain after general manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah's dismissal.

Tagovailoa can push McCarthy for the starting position. He could take over the offense if the Vikings are ready to move on from the 23-year-old signal-caller. 

Tagovailoa should be most interested in Minnesota, given O'Connell's track record, the team's two playoff appearances over the last four years and the draw of playing with two-time All-Pro wide receiver Justin Jefferson.

Maurice Moton covers the NFL for Bleacher Report. You can follow him on Twitter @MoeMoton.