Dolphins general manager Jon-Eric Sullivan confirms that the team is attempting to trade quarterback Tua Tagovailoa.
Miami Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa has been a pillar of the team for the past six seasons.
The 27-year-old has shown flashes of brilliance throughout his career; however, there have been times when he has made some head-scratching moves. Add the fact that he's already endured some serious head injuries that have certainly not helped his case.
The bad outweighed the good during the 2025 season, leading to the Dolphins and Tagovailoa heading for a split in 2026.
While there is a chance that Tagovailoa remains on the roster, a trade is the preferred manner in which general manager Jon-Eric Sullivan likely wants the split to happen. Sullivan confirmed the opportunity for a trade during comments at the NFL Combine.
Sullivan was blunt when discussing the franchise's next steps at the NFL combine and what it means for Tagovailoa's future in Miami.
"We've talked to his reps, we've talked to him," Sullivan said when addressing Tagovailoa and his future with the team. "We've explored the possibility of trades. We're ever appreciative of everything that Tua has done and accomplished with the Miami Dolphins. It will be interesting to see where this goes, with the Dolphins or elsewhere. Quinn Ewers is obviously on the roster, he did some nice things down the stretch. My job is to make this as competitive of a room as I can and that goes really for every positional room."
Sullivan added in a presser to the media that everything is on the table regarding Tagovailoa, including a possible trade. He also said that the former 2020 draft pick has not requested a trade. Nonetheless, the Dolphins are in the process of going in a new direction regarding the quarterback spot, and Sullivan's comments made that evident.
Tagovailoa is currently under a four-year, $212.4 million contract that he signed with the team in July 2024. The deal includes $167 million in total guarantees. The contract runs through 2028.
All signs point to Tagovailoa’s future in Miami coming to an end. His 2025 season was a tumultuous one as he regressed mightily. His poor season saw him rack up only 2,660 passing yards, 20 touchdowns, and 15 interceptions. Because of his lackluster play, the Dolphins benched him late in the season.
Tagovailoa's poor performance and turnover issues were the reason why Miami benched him for the final three games of the season. His arm strength, decision-making and significant injuries are legitimate concerns that factor in why the Dolphins are contemplating a future with him.
The Dolphins drafted the Hawaii native with the No.5 overall pick in the 2020 NFL Draft.