Tua Tagovailoa and his biggest supporter are looking ahead to the quarterback’s next NFL chapter.
Moments after news broke Monday that the Dolphins are releasing the former first-round pick just two years after signing him to a $212.4 million contract extension, Tagovailoa’s wife took to her Instagram Stories to recognize his journey thus far.
“I love you and could not be more proud of you,” Annah Tagovailoa wrote alongside a video the 28-year-old quarterback initially shared Monday on his own page.
The Dolphins, under the new regime of coach Jeff Hafley and GM Jon-Eric Sullivan, had been expected to move on from Tagovailoa following a disappointing 7-10 campaign that included his benching for seventh-round rookie quarterback Quinn Ewers.
ESPN reported Monday that Tagovailoa will be a post-June 1 release, resulting in a record $99 million dead cap hit spread over two years ($67.4 million in 2026 and $31.8 million in 2027).
Tagovailoa, who arrived in Miami as the fifth overall pick in 2020, expressed gratitude for the organization and for the opportunity in a farewell note.
“From the moment I arrived, you believed in me, supported me, and embraced my family as your own. I was able to marry my wife and welcome both my kids to this world. I was able to fortunately allow them to experience life from one I never got to growing up. Wearing this jersey and representing this city has been one of the greatest joys of my life,” Tagovailoa posted Monday on Instagram.
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“… As I prepare for the next chapter, I move forward with gratitude, faith, and memories I’ll cherish for a lifetime. South Florida will always hold a special place in my heart.”
Tagovailoa and Annah have been married since 2022.
The quarterback tossed for 18,166 yards, 120 touchdowns and 59 interceptions across 78 games for the Dolphins.
He missed time during the 2022 and 2024 seasons due to concussions.
The Falcons are said to be “making a strong early push” to sign Tagovailoa, NFL Network reported Monday.
[Notigroup Newsroom in collaboration with other media outlets, with information from the following sources]
