After the 2025 season has concluded for several NFL teams, Miami Dolphins trade candidate Tua Tagovailoa is leaving the door open to joining a new team during the offseason. According to the report, Tagovailoa declined to comment further on what he meant regarding a “fresh start” and if that would be with the Dolphins. Unfortunately, the Dolphins benched Tagovailoa in favor of rookie quarterback Quinn Ewers, which led to several questions regarding the future of the offense. Tagovailoa spent the last three weeks as the third-string starter with no roadmap to get in the starting role, so a trade or release is likely here.
Top NFL Trade Candidate Tua Tagovailoa Open to Joining 3 Possible Suitors for 2026 Season
Unfortunately, it will be difficult for the Dolphins to trade Tagovailoa given his contract. After giving him a four-year, $212.1 million extension in July, the team will have no choice but to grant him a release to take the loss or ask the quarterback to take a paycut which is unlikely. Tagovailoa is already disappointed with being demoted, and head coach Mike McDaniel expected to have quarterback competition, so it’s easier for the two to part ways.
Originally selected in the first round of the 2020 NFL Draft, there is still hope for his future. Tagovailoa will most likely have to take a backup job elsewhere to earn the trust to take over starting duties. However, his concussion history could turn teams the other way, unfortunately. Here are three teams that might be willing to give him a shot once he’s released.
Possible Next Destinations
Minnesota Vikings
Last offseason, there were conversations and rumors surrounding Aaron Rodgers potentially joining the Vikings. However, they kept their faith in JJ McCarthy after making the wild-card with Sam Darnold in January 2025. McCarthy has yet to convince head coach Kevin O’Connell and the front office that he’s the future of this offense. Despite finishing the 2025 campaign strongly, McCarthy will likely receive some competition in training camp.
This means the Vikings will either sign or draft a quarterback. Tagovailoa might be the last person on the Vikings’ mind, but it would give him a chance to fight for a starting job in a new environment.
Indianapolis Colts
Meanwhile, the Colts will have major questions at the quarterback position. After bringing Philip Rivers out of retirement in the wake of Daniel Jones’ gruesome injury, the nostalgia run wasn’t enough to make the postseason. Despite Jones bringing the Colts to 7-1, the team dropped the majority of its games.
Indianapolis wants to retain Jones, but that might be a risk itself, even on a one-year contract. With Anthony Richardson already on thin ice, the Colts could sign Jones and Tagovailoa to battle it out for the starting job.
Atlanta Falcons
After firing Raheem Morris, the future will rest in the hands of the next head coach. This could mean a trade involving Michael Penix Jr. if the next head coach wants to install his new offensive philosophy without him. With Kirk Cousins likely gone, the Falcons are expected to take a quarterback in the draft. However, they could sign Tagovailoa on a one-year contract to see what he may do in a backup role.