As the Miami Dolphins and Arizona Cardinals look ahead with new head coaches, both teams are considering trades for their starting quarterbacks: Tua Tagovailoa and Kyler Murray. However, trading either player could be complicated due to their hefty salaries.
Several teams may be on the lookout for a quarterback, including the New York Jets, Atlanta Falcons, Cleveland Browns, Pittsburgh Steelers, and Minnesota Vikings. The Dolphins are reportedly open to restructuring Tagovailoa’s contract to ease a potential trade, but financial challenges remain.
Tagovailoa signed a massive four-year, $212.1 million extension in July 2024. He has $54 million guaranteed for 2026, with an additional $3 million of his 2027 salary becoming guaranteed soon. Cutting him would lead to a staggering $99 million dead cap hit, a record in the NFL. If the Dolphins designate him as a post-June 1 cut, they could spread out that financial burden over two years.
On the other hand, Murray is also tied into a significant deal, with $36.8 million guaranteed in 2026 and $19.5 million becoming guaranteed if he remains on the roster after March 15, 2027. Releasing him before June would incur a $54.7 million dead cap hit, but trading him could save the Cardinals $34.7 million, making it a more appealing option if they find a buyer.
Both quarterbacks are coming off challenging seasons. Tagovailoa faced setbacks, getting benched in the final games. He led the league in interceptions with 15 and struggled to hit 200 passing yards in eight of the 14 matches played. Recently, he expressed interest in a fresh start, hinting that his time in Miami may be nearing an end. Dolphins’ new general manager Jon-Eric Sullivan has indicated that the team is uncertain about their quarterback direction.
Murray, also 28, played only five games last season due to a foot injury, throwing for 962 yards—hardly a reflection of a former Heisman Trophy winner. He’s had limited playoff appearances in his seven seasons with Arizona since being drafted first overall in 2019. New Cardinals head coach Mike LaFleur mentioned he has spoken to Murray recently but did not delve into future plans for the quarterback.
Recent statistics show that NFL teams value consistency and performance. According to ESPN, top teams often prioritize quarterbacks with proven track records to boost chances of playoff success. The market for quarterbacks is shifting, with teams willing to take on risks for players who have faced challenges, especially those looking for second chances in new environments.
As both teams navigate these decisions, the futures of Tagovailoa and Murray remain uncertain. How they handle these negotiations could reshape their rosters and impact their upcoming seasons significantly.
For further details on team salaries and trade implications, you can check ESPN’s salary cap tracker.
