The Miami Dolphins have released quarterback Tua Tagovailoa, taking an NFL-record $99m dead money hit against the salary cap. The move comes less than two years after Tagovailoa signed a franchise-record $212.4m extension. The Dolphins will designate the release after 1 June to spread the cap hit over two years.
Tagovailoa is expected to sign a one-year deal with the Atlanta Falcons, who are releasing Kirk Cousins and dealing with an injury to Michael Penix Jr. The Dolphins have signed former Green Bay Packers quarterback Malik Willis to a three-year, $67.5m contract as Tagovailoa's replacement.
In other notable moves, the Kansas City Chiefs are signing running back Kenneth Walker III, who was Super Bowl MVP after leading the Seattle Seahawks to victory. Travis Kelce is also returning to the Chiefs for a 14th season. Meanwhile, wide receiver Mike Evans has left the Tampa Bay Buccaneers for the San Francisco 49ers on a three-year, $60.4m deal.
Tagovailoa, 28, led the Dolphins to two playoff appearances in six seasons but never won a postseason game. He finished with a 44-32 record, 18,166 passing yards, 120 touchdowns and 59 interceptions. "South Florida will always hold a special place in my heart," Tagovailoa said in a statement.
