NFL insider reveals why Miami is “unlikely to” part ways with Tua Tagovailoa due to this one factor

The Miami Dolphins face a major challenge with Tua Tagovailoa. Fans have speculated about a trade since he was benched after the Week 15 clash against the Pittsburgh Steelers. And the heat was further ignited when Ian Rapoport said that he would be "surprised" if Tua stays with the Dolphins. But the new take from NFL insider Dan Graziano on Tua's massive contract signals something different. It seems financial realities are keeping Miami tied to the quarterback for now.The Dolphins signed Tua to a four-year, $212 million extension in 2024 after he led the NFL in passing yards and made a name for himself with stunning numbers. Since then, performance and injuries have created uncertainty. With a huge contract looming, Miami wants to move on, but league sources indicate that finding a trade partner is nearly impossible without absorbing most of his salary.The biggest roadblock is Tua's guaranteed money. ESPN's Dan Graziano said, "The Dolphins are unlikely to find a trade partner for Tua Tagovailoa and will most likely have to pay most of Tua's contract to find a suitor." The quote highlights why no team is rushing to make a deal. Even teams that need a quarterback, such as the Vikings, must consider the cost and cap implications before taking him on.Experts suggest that Miami could use a post-June 1 cut to spread the dead-cap charges over two seasons, which would still leave $67 million in 2026 and $32 million in 2027. Per the NFL's Adam Schefter, "Cutting Tagovailoa would leave a $99 million dead money salary cap charge - the largest in NFL history - while designating him as a post-June 1 cut would spread out the money over two years."As of 2025, Tua has posted 20 TDs and 15 INTs, which is a major downfall for a quarterback of his calibre. The situation shows that Tua's future in Miami is not a matter of play but of money. The Dolphins must carefully navigate the largest contract of a quarterback in franchise history to avoid further financial strain. Until then, the Dolphins are unlikely to part ways with Tagovailoa, and the offseason will be closely watched by fans and analysts alike.