Turnaround for a trade involving Tua Tagovailoa to Miami and Kyle Murray to Arizona

The trade of Tua Tagovailoa and Kyler Murray is now a possibility being seriously considered by the Miami Dolphins and Arizona Cardinals.

According to information reported by ESPN and relayed by RDS.ca, the two organizations, both of which recently hired new head coaches, are actively evaluating the market to find trade partners for their respective starting quarterbacks.

This move comes amid organizational transition, with several NFL teams—including the New York Jets, Atlanta Falcons, Cleveland Browns, Pittsburgh Steelers, and Minnesota Vikings—reportedly looking for a starting quarterback. However, Miami and Arizona face a major obstacle: the financial burden of their star players' contracts.

Heavy contracts complicate negotiations

In July 2024, Tua Tagovailoa signed a four-year, $212.1 million contract with the Dolphins. In 2026, $54 million is guaranteed, with an additional $3 million becoming guaranteed in 2027 as of the fifth week of next season. A release before June 1 would leave nearly $99 million on Miami's payroll, a historic record. To facilitate a possible trade, the Dolphins would be willing to absorb part of the contract.

On the Arizona side, Kyler Murray is set to receive $36.8 million guaranteed in 2026, while $19.5 million for 2027 will become guaranteed on March 15 if he remains with the team. However, a trade would allow the Cardinals to save approximately $34.7 million, an option considered more attractive than an outright cut.

Performance and sporting uncertainties

On the field, Tagovailoa has had a difficult season, being benched with three games left to play. He threw 15 interceptions and failed to reach 200 passing yards in more than half of his starts. At 28, he has shown himself to be open to a fresh start. Murray, also 28, has been limited to five games due to a foot injury in a career marked by only one playoff appearance since entering the NFL.

The trade involving Tua Tagovailoa and Kyler Murray remains uncertain, but these developments could shape the NFL quarterback landscape in the coming weeks.