New Delhi, March 9 -- The Miami Dolphins have made a stunning move, announcing they will release quarterback Tua Tagovailoa after the new league year begins. Notably, this decision saddles the team with an NFL-record $99 million in dead money against the salary cap, marking one of the costliest quarterback departures in league history.

The release, designated as post-June 1, will allow the Miami Dolphins to spread the financial burden over two seasons. This move will result in approximately $67.4 million hitting the cap in 2026, with the remainder carried into 2027. The release comes after failed attempts to trade Tua Tagovailoa, whose massive contract extension proved too burdensome for potential suitors.

Drafted fifth overall in 2020,...