Examining Kyler Murray and Tua Tagovailoa Trade Rumors: Implications for Teams and Players
As the NFL offseason heats up, rumors swirl surrounding Kyler Murray and Tua Tagovailoa. Both quarterbacks may seek fresh starts, but hefty contracts and potential dead cap hits complicate matters.
IntroductionThe NFL offseason is a time for speculation and strategic recalibrations, and the latest rumors surrounding Kyler Murray and Tua Tagovailoa are making waves. Both quarterbacks have faced challenges with their respective teams, the Arizona Cardinals and Miami Dolphins, leading to discussions about potential trades. With off-field factors such as financial implications and coaching changes, the fate of these quarterbacks could set the tone for their teams moving forward.
Financial Hurdles and Trade ConsiderationsAccording to insights from Adam Schefter, both the Cardinals and Dolphins are exploring trade partners for their star quarterbacks, but substantial contract obligations introduce significant complications.
- Kyler Murray is scheduled to receive $36.8 million guaranteed in 2026.- Tua Tagovailoa faces an even heftier cap with $54 million guaranteed during the same period.
Should either team decide to release these players, they would incur massive dead salary cap hits:- Murray: $54.7 million if released before June 1.- Tagovailoa: An unprecedented $99 million dead cap hit if released prematurely.
Trading these players appears more optimal, with both teams facing a pressing deadline. If Murray remains on the roster by March 15, a portion of his base salary becomes guaranteed. Similarly, by that date, Tagovailoa will also see an incremental increase in his guaranteed salary—fueling further urgency to secure a trade.
Changing Landscapes in Arizona and Miami
Beyond financial implications, both franchises are experiencing coaching shifts that could signal a broader strategy overhaul. For both teams, moving on from their quarterbacks represents a chance to hit the reset button.
Arizona Cardinals- New Head Coach: Mike LaFleur, who replaced Jonathan Gannon, brings a fresh perspective.- Murray’s Performance: With a career record of 38-48-1 and only one playoff appearance, Murray has faced limitations. His injury in 2025 restricted him to just five games, raising concerns about his durability.- Brissett's Stand-in Performance: Jacoby Brissett, in Murray's absence, struggled, but his numbers (3,366 yards, 23 touchdowns) prove that the Cardinals have viable options to build upon.
Miami Dolphins- New Regime: Following a disappointing 2025, the Dolphins have let go of General Manager Chris Grier and Head Coach Mike McDaniel, confirming a need for change.- Tagovailoa’s Recent Struggles: After an impressive 2023 season leading the league with 4,624 yards and 29 touchdowns, Tua faced decisively poorer performances in 2025, throwing for 20 touchdowns but also a concerning 15 interceptions. This decline culminated in him losing his starting position to rookie Quinn Ewers.
The Bottom Line: What’s Next?As the offseason unfolds, the futures of Kyler Murray and Tua Tagovailoa hang in the balance. Both players are at critical junctures in their careers, and their respective teams are under pressure to make decisions that will resonate throughout the franchise for years.
- For the Cardinals, finding a trade partner for Murray allows them to recoup value while addressing coaching and roster development. - For the Dolphins, moving Tagovailoa offers an opportunity to reset their quarterback situation amid significant organizational changes.
The upcoming trade decisions and outcomes could reshape not only the Cardinals and Dolphins but also influence the quarterback market across the NFL. Fans and analysts alike will be closely monitoring these developments as both teams aim for a brighter future.