Tua Tagovailoa avoided major injuries in 2025, but the season will still be remembered as a disappointment in his case. A change of scenery could be coming relatively soon, depending on how the Dolphins choose to proceed. 
When speaking to the media on Monday, Tagovailoa was asked about the possibility of a fresh start. He responded, “that would be dope. I would be good with it” (h/t Barry Jackson of the Miami Herald). Reporters then clarified they were referring to the idea of Tagovailoa playing elsewhere. He declined to comment further.
In theory, a ‘fresh start’ could take place in the form of sweeping coaching changes on the part of the Dolphins. Of the three head coach firings which have taken place so far today, though, none have included Miami. The latest updates on Mike McDaniel‘s status point to him being safe for 2026.
Not long ago, the possibility of Miami retaining McDaniel was tied to the success he had with Tagovailoa in previous seasons. Consistent play under center proved elusive in 2025, however, and after Week 15 the Dolphins proceeded with a new QB depth chart. Tagovailoa was replaced by rookie Quinn Ewers as the starter and demoted to third-string status. Since then, questions have been raised about a potential trade.
During the 2024 offseason, Tagovailoa joined the list of quarterbacks earning $50MM or per year on their contracts. The 27-year-old is on the books through 2028, and he is owed $54MM guaranteed for next year. Absorbing that figure – not to mention a 2026 cap hit of $56.4MM – would be challenging for any acquiring team. A strong market is unlikely based on that factor but also Tagovailoa’s poor play this year. The former fifth overall pick threw multiple interceptions four times in 14 games prior to being benched.
Ewers projects as a presence in the Dolphins’ quarterback setup for the foreseeable future, although his brief showing late in the season is obviously not a large enough sample size to determine his viability as a starting option. Selecting a new signal-caller early in the draft could be something to watch for; that would likely require trading up in the first-round order. Miami is currently set to select 11th in April’s draft.
Tagovailoa’s entire six-year career has taken place with the Dolphins. He could wind up remaining in place in the absence of preferred replacement options emerging once a full-time general manager is in place. Regardless, a move allowing for a clean slate on a new team is clearly something Tagovailoa would be open to.
Who wants him or Murray? Both are average and costs around $50m/season. Might as well draft a new QB.
so would the dolphins lol
So would the Dolphins lol
sO would the dOlphins lol
He probably wants to talk his way into being released. I think he will compete with whoever they bring in, if not released.
A fresh start in flag football would be ideal.
Thank God they are getting rid of him. He is straight trash. Looked good in 2023, but has regressed since. Awful leader and player. Cant wait until it’s official. I can’t imagine any other team in the league wanting anything to do with him, especially cold weather teams. I would even be shocked to see any NFL team take a flier on him as a backup given the documented injury history. Starting in a different league or retirement are more likely options at this point in my opinion.
The Raiders have a ton of cap space. Could they trade Geno for Tua and a bunch of pics to compensate for the money discrepancy? Then Tua can either help the Raiders get another top pick in 2027 or just hold a clipboard.
XFL
Is he talking about a new organization or a fresh brain?
Like he has a choice.