Miami Dolphins admit Tua Tagovailoa trade is possible amid uncertainty
Miami Dolphins general manager Jon-Eric Sullivan has admitted that “everything is on the table” regarding the future of quarterback Tua Tagovailoa, including a potential trade.
Speaking at the NFL Scouting Combine in Indianapolis, Sullivan confirmed the franchise is evaluating all options for the former fifth overall draft pick.
Tagovailoa’s representatives have informed the team that the quarterback intends to continue his playing career.
However, the general manager acknowledged that the team could look to move the 26-year-old, despite recent productive conversations.
“Everything’s on the table right now. It could go in a lot of different ways,” Sullivan said.
“A trade is a possibility, but Tua is aware, his representation is aware.”
Performance struggles and financial hurdles
The left-handed passer endured a difficult campaign last season, culminating in him being benched with three games remaining.
He threw for 20 touchdowns but also recorded a career-high 15 interceptions across 14 appearances.
Complicating any potential move is the four-year, $212.4m (£167m) extension the quarterback signed in 2024.
Releasing Tagovailoa before 1 June would result in an NFL-record $99.2m dead cap hit for the AFC East franchise.
Sullivan noted that absorbing such a financial blow is “possible but not likely” as the organisation weighs its next steps.
“[Tagovailoa’s reps] have expressed that he wants to play and that they still think he can play at a high level,” Sullivan added.
Roster overhaul continues
The uncertainty surrounding the quarterback comes amid a wider restructuring of the Dolphins’ roster.
Sullivan recently released star wide receiver Tyreek Hill and linebacker Bradley Chubb in an effort to make the squad “younger and cheaper”.
Safety Minkah Fitzpatrick finds himself in a similar position to Tagovailoa, with Sullivan confirming discussions are ongoing with the former All-Pro regarding his future.
Despite the potential exodus of veteran talent, the Dolphins view running back De’Von Achane and receiver Jaylen Waddle as integral to their rebuild.
Sullivan ruled out trading either player, describing Achane as a “marvelous player” whom the team hopes to extend later in the summer.