The Miami Dolphins announced they will release quarterback Tua Tagovailoa at the start of the new NFL league year, ending his tenure with the franchise after six seasons.

The move will result in a record dead cap hit for the Dolphins, representing one of the most costly quarterback releases in NFL history. The timing of the release, designated as a post-June 1 cut, affects how the salary cap implications will be distributed.

Tagovailoa, who was selected by Miami in the first round of the 2020 NFL Draft, will become a free agent and is expected to play for a different team in 2026. The quarterback's departure marks the end of an era for the Dolphins organization as they prepare to move in a new direction at the position.

The announcement comes on the eve of NFL free agency, positioning the Dolphins to begin their search for Tagovailoa's replacement. The team's decision to absorb the significant financial penalty suggests they are committed to starting over at the quarterback position despite the substantial cost.

The release represents a major organizational shift for Miami, which had invested heavily in Tagovailoa both through the draft selection and subsequent contract commitments. The record-setting dead cap implications will impact the team's salary cap flexibility in the coming seasons.