Dolphins Cut Tua Tagovailoa, Create Record $99 Million Dead Cap; Malik Willis to Sign

Miami, FL—In a stunning mid-afternoon move, the Dolphins announced the release of quarterback Tua Tagovailola, a decision that will saddle the franchise with a $99 million dead-cap charge—believed to be the largest single dead-money hit in league history. The team simultaneously confirmed it will sign quarterback Malik Willis, sources told the Associated Press.

The transaction, formalized at 1:27 p.m. EDT, removes Tagovailoa from the roster after five seasons in Miami and leaves the organization searching for a new direction under center. Willis, who spent last season in Tennessee, will now compete for the starting job once his deal is completed.

Neither the team nor the players’ representatives offered immediate comment on the financial structure of Willis’s contract or the factors that prompted the dramatic pivot at quarterback.

The Dolphins’ next on-field move will be watched closely as they absorb the cap ramifications and reshape their offense around the incoming signal-caller.