What’s In The Future of Tua Tagovailoa? Major Update on QB’s Future After Tyreek Hill Release

After four years, the Miami Dolphins are now parting ways with their wide receiver Tyreek Hill. This decision comes right ahead of contract guarantees that are supposed to take effect during the 2026 season. The Dolphins took this tough decision in the wake of Hill suffering a severe knee injury in September, sidelining him for the rest of the season. But what happens to Tua Tagovailoa next?

As per insider Jordan Schultz, Miami is exploring a potential trade for the quarterback in the short term, while releasing him could be an alternate option. Through a tweet on X, Schultz said,

“The #Dolphins preference has been to find a trade partner for Tua Tagovailoa. A cut is possible in the end. But that has been their preference. My understanding is new regime doesn’t want it to drag too long.”

Though the Dolphins’ decision isn’t supposed to be a long-term solution, they are looking to resolve this as soon as they can. These moves by the Dolphins bring to light the uncertainty within the franchise, especially given how Miami wants to drastically reverse its recent results and be a contender in the AFC East next season.

Tua Tagovailoa had signed a massive four-year, $212.4 million extension in 2024. However, following a massive decline in performance and growing health concerns, perhaps the new regime at Miami wants to move on. However, the financial cost of cutting Tua could be drastic.

If Tagovailoa is released before June 1, 2026, it would trigger a record-breaking $99.2 million dead cap hit, severely crippling the team’s ability to sign other players. On the other hand, the Dolphins are also looking for trade options, which would mean they would still have to consume a significant portion of his $54 million fully guaranteed 2026 salary just to find the right place for him.

Kansas City Chiefs Emerged as Favorites to Sign Tyreek Hill

The Kansas City Chiefs are working extra hard to fill all the gaps from last season. After failing to even qualify for the playoffs in 2025 and with Patrick Mahomes suffering from a torn ACL and LCL late in the year, the Chiefs are looking for the right fit to turn things around in the 2026 season.

So, right when the news of Tyreek Hill’s release broke out on Monday, the Chiefs were immediately linked to a possible reunion.

Hill spent six years of his career with the Chiefs and turned out to be one of the most explosive playmakers in the game. He was a Pro Bowler in all of his six seasons with Kansas City and also earned three All-Pro First Team selections and a Super Bowl championship.

The Chiefs have already brought in their old offensive coordinator, Eric Bieniemy, this offseason. So, a likely reunion with Hill doesn’t seem much off the books. Hill had already publicly expressed his desire to return to Kansas City earlier on social media. Hence, a reunion with the Chiefs seems more likely than ever.

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