The Miami Dolphins have secured Malik Willis with a $67.5 million contract to take over as quarterback, succeeding Tua Tagovailoa.
On Monday, the Dolphins revealed the release of Tagovailoa, even after he inked a four-year, $212 million agreement back in July 2024.
This decision incurs a historic $99.2 million dead cap hit for Miami. However, the team swiftly addressed the quarterback vacancy, with new head coach Jeff Hafley and general manager Jon-Eric Sullivan orchestrating the acquisition of free agent Willis.
Willis has committed to a three-year contract, with $45 million guaranteed. Initially, he launched his NFL journey with the Tennessee Titans, following his selection in the third round of the 2022 NFL Draft.
In August 2024, Willis was traded to the Green Bay Packers in a deal that involved a seventh-round draft pick. Throughout his career, he has participated in 22 NFL games, including four appearances in 2025.
The Miami Dolphins have struck a $67.5million deal for Malik Willis to replace Tua Tagovailoa
The Dolphins are releasing quarterback Tagovailoa after his nightmare 2025 season
Meanwhile, the NFL Network reports that the Atlanta Falcons are in the prime position to sign Tagovailoa, as they await Michael Penix Jr.’s recovery from ACL surgery.
Atlanta is also set to cut ties with veteran signal caller Kirk Cousins when free-agency begins later this week, just two years after handing him a four-year, $180m deal that included $100m guaranteed.
It is believed the Falcons are hoping to sign Tagovailoa on a minimum contract, although no deal can be finalized until he is officially released by the Dolphins when the new league year starts on Wednesday.
Tagovailoa endured a nightmare 2025 campaign as Miami went 7-10 and missed out on the playoffs once again.
Coach Mike McDaniel benched the 28-year-old after he threw a career-high 15 interceptions and recorded fewer than 200 passing yards on eight occasions, with rookie Quinn Ewers replacing him for the final three games.
Dolphins general manager Jon-Eric Sullivan announced on Monday that they are going their separate ways.
‘I recently informed Tua and his representation that we are going to move in a new direction at the quarterback position and will be releasing him after the start of the new league year,’ Sullivan said in a statement early Monday morning.
‘As I shared with Tua, I have great respect for the person and player he is. On behalf of the Miami Dolphins, I expressed our gratitude for his many contributions, both on the field and in the community, during his six seasons in Miami.
‘As we move forward, we will be focused on infusing competition across the roster and establishing a strong foundation for this team as we work towards building a sustained winner.’
Atlanta is leading the race to sign Tagovailoa with Michael Penix Jr. recovering from injury
Miami is embarking on a new chapter after head coach Mike McDaniel (left) was also fired
Tagovailoa also broke his silence later in the morning, thanking Miami for ‘six unforgettable years’ in an emotional post on Instagram.
‘From the moment I arrived, you believed in me, supported me, and embraced my family as your own,’ he wrote. ‘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.’
After paying tribute to his teammates and Dolphins staff, Tagovailoa continued: ‘To the fans — your energy, loyalty, and passion meant everything. You lifted me up in the biggest moments and stood by me through the challenging ones.
‘From my first start I had, to the first touchdown I threw I’m grateful for all of it. My family and I felt your love every step of the way. I also carry deep regret that I couldn’t get the job done and bring a championship home to this city. Miami deserves that, and I’ll always wish I could have delivered it for you.’
‘As I prepare for the next chapter, I move forward with gratitude, faith, and memories I’ll cherish for a lifetime,’ he concluded. ‘South Florida will always hold a special place in my heart. 1Love – UNO out’.
