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Dolphins Release Tua Tagovailoa, Line Up Malik Willis on Reported Three-Year Deal

The record $99 million dead-cap plan reflects a calculated reset under new leaders Jon‑Eric Sullivan and Jeff Hafley.

Overview

  • Miami announced it will release Tagovailoa after the new league year begins, using a post‑June 1 designation to split an NFL‑record roughly $99–99.2 million in dead money over 2026 and 2027.
  • Reports from NFL Network and others say Miami has agreed to a three‑year, $67.5 million contract with Malik Willis that includes $45 million guaranteed, positioning him as the expected starter.
  • Willis reunites with Sullivan and Hafley from their Green Bay tenures after a small but efficient Packers sample, with outlets citing 972 passing yards, six touchdowns and no interceptions across limited action.
  • Tagovailoa is owed about $54 million guaranteed for 2026 and, once officially released, can sign elsewhere for the veteran minimum after a late‑2025 benching and a career‑high 15 interceptions.
  • General manager Sullivan signaled more quarterback competition ahead with Quinn Ewers the top in‑house option, as Miami manages spending and continues broader roster changes under the new regime.