{"id":785258,"date":"2026-03-01T22:06:30","date_gmt":"2026-03-01T22:06:30","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nfl\/785258\/"},"modified":"2026-03-01T22:06:30","modified_gmt":"2026-03-01T22:06:30","slug":"tua-tagovailoa-landing-spots-teams-that-make-sense-for-dolphins-qb","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nfl\/785258\/","title":{"rendered":"Tua Tagovailoa landing spots: Teams that make sense for Dolphins QB"},"content":{"rendered":"

Tua Tagovailoa<\/a> and the Miami Dolphins<\/a> appear to be headed for a split.<\/p>\n

The writing has been on the wall for the quarterback and his time in South Beach ever since he was benched at the end of the 2025 season<\/a>. As if that wasn’t enough, Tagovailoa’s future with the Dolphins has also been in doubt since the coaching and general manager change.<\/p>\n

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Monstrous salary cap ramifications haven’t deterred the Dolphins from pursuing a trade or release, but it’s unclear how the situation will play out. A trade is more palatable from the cap standpoint, but a release appears to be more realistic at this time.<\/p>\n

ESPN’s Dan Graziano<\/a> reported that he expects Tagovailoa to be released by the third day of the league year\u00a0after his conversations with other teams. A post-June 1 designation is considered likely for the quarterback’s release, which would offset some of the $99.2 million in dead cap penalty for 2026.<\/p>\n

The cost of moving on is certainly expensive, but it seems like the Dolphins quarterback will be checking out real estate in a new city next season.<\/p>\n

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AARON JONES LANDING SPOTS: Texans, Chiefs among Vikings RB’s best fits<\/a><\/p>\n

Here’s a look at some landing spots that make sense for Tagovailoa.<\/p>\n

1 \/ 32<\/p>\n

NFL mock draft: First-round projection going into the scouting combine<\/p>\n

1. Las Vegas Raiders \u2013 Fernando Mendoza, QB, Indiana<\/p>\n

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1 \/ 32<\/p>\n

NFL mock draft: First-round projection going into the scouting combine<\/p>\n

1. Las Vegas Raiders \u2013 Fernando Mendoza, QB, Indiana<\/p>\n

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2 \/ 32<\/p>\n

NFL mock draft: First-round projection going into the scouting combine<\/p>\n

2. New York Jets \u2013 Arvell Reese, LB\/DE, Ohio State<\/p>\n

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3 \/ 32<\/p>\n

NFL mock draft: First-round projection going into the scouting combine<\/p>\n

3. Arizona Cardinals \u2013 Spencer Fano, OT Utah<\/p>\n

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4 \/ 32<\/p>\n

NFL mock draft: First-round projection going into the scouting combine<\/p>\n

4. Tennessee Titans \u2013 Rueben Bain Jr., DE, Miami (Fla.)<\/p>\n

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5 \/ 32<\/p>\n

NFL mock draft: First-round projection going into the scouting combine<\/p>\n

5. New York Giants \u2013 Carnell Tate, WR, Ohio State<\/p>\n

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6 \/ 32<\/p>\n

NFL mock draft: First-round projection going into the scouting combine<\/p>\n

6. Cleveland Browns \u2013 Francis Mauigoa, OT, Miami (Fla.)<\/p>\n

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7 \/ 32<\/p>\n

NFL mock draft: First-round projection going into the scouting combine<\/p>\n

7. Washington Commanders \u2013 David Bailey, OLB, Texas Tech<\/p>\n

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8 \/ 32<\/p>\n

NFL mock draft: First-round projection going into the scouting combine<\/p>\n

8. New Orleans Saints \u2013 Jeremiah Love, RB, Notre Dame<\/p>\n

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9 \/ 32<\/p>\n

NFL mock draft: First-round projection going into the scouting combine<\/p>\n

9. Kansas City Chiefs \u2013 Makai Lemon, WR, USC<\/p>\n

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10 \/ 32<\/p>\n

NFL mock draft: First-round projection going into the scouting combine<\/p>\n

10. Cincinnati Bengals \u2013 Caleb Downs, S, Ohio State<\/p>\n

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11 \/ 32<\/p>\n

NFL mock draft: First-round projection going into the scouting combine<\/p>\n

11. Miami Dolphins \u2013 Mansoor Delane, CB, LSU<\/p>\n

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12 \/ 32<\/p>\n

NFL mock draft: First-round projection going into the scouting combine<\/p>\n

12. Dallas Cowboys \u2013 Jermod McCoy, CB, Tennessee<\/p>\n

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13 \/ 32<\/p>\n

NFL mock draft: First-round projection going into the scouting combine<\/p>\n

13. Los Angeles Rams (from Atlanta Falcons) \u2013 Jordyn Tyson, WR, Arizona State<\/p>\n

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14 \/ 32<\/p>\n

NFL mock draft: First-round projection going into the scouting combine<\/p>\n

14. Baltimore Ravens \u2013 Olaivavega Ioane, G, Penn State<\/p>\n

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15 \/ 32<\/p>\n

NFL mock draft: First-round projection going into the scouting combine<\/p>\n

15. Tampa Bay Buccaneers \u2013 Sonny Styles, LB, Ohio State<\/p>\n

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16 \/ 32<\/p>\n

NFL mock draft: First-round projection going into the scouting combine<\/p>\n

16. New York Jets \u2013 Denzel Boston, WR, Washington<\/p>\n

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17 \/ 32<\/p>\n

NFL mock draft: First-round projection going into the scouting combine<\/p>\n

17. Detroit Lions \u2013 Akheem Mesidor, DE, Miami (Fla.)<\/p>\n

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18 \/ 32<\/p>\n

NFL mock draft: First-round projection going into the scouting combine<\/p>\n

18. Minnesota Vikings \u2013 Peter Woods, DT, Clemson<\/p>\n

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19 \/ 32<\/p>\n

NFL mock draft: First-round projection going into the scouting combine<\/p>\n

19. Carolina Panthers \u2013 Keldric Faulk, DE, Auburn<\/p>\n

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20 \/ 32<\/p>\n

NFL mock draft: First-round projection going into the scouting combine<\/p>\n

20. Dallas Cowboys (from Green Bay Packers) \u2013 Emmanuel McNeil-Warren, S, Toledo<\/p>\n

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21 \/ 32<\/p>\n

NFL mock draft: First-round projection going into the scouting combine<\/p>\n

21. Pittsburgh Steelers \u2013 Omar Cooper Jr., WR, Indiana<\/p>\n

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22 \/ 32<\/p>\n

NFL mock draft: First-round projection going into the scouting combine<\/p>\n

22. Los Angeles Chargers \u2013 Kenyon Sadiq, TE, Oregon<\/p>\n

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23 \/ 32<\/p>\n

NFL mock draft: First-round projection going into the scouting combine<\/p>\n

23. Philadelphia Eagles \u2013 Monroe Freeling, OT, Georgia<\/p>\n

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24 \/ 32<\/p>\n

NFL mock draft: First-round projection going into the scouting combine<\/p>\n

24. Cleveland Browns (from Jacksonville Jaguars) \u2013 KC Concepcion, WR, Texas A&M<\/p>\n

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25 \/ 32<\/p>\n

NFL mock draft: First-round projection going into the scouting combine<\/p>\n

25. Chicago Bears \u2013 Caleb Banks, DT, Florida<\/p>\n

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26 \/ 32<\/p>\n

NFL mock draft: First-round projection going into the scouting combine<\/p>\n

26. Buffalo Bills \u2013 T.J. Parker, DE\/OLB, Clemson<\/p>\n

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27 \/ 32<\/p>\n

NFL mock draft: First-round projection going into the scouting combine<\/p>\n

27. San Francisco 49ers \u2013 Caleb Lomu, OT, Utah<\/p>\n

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28 \/ 32<\/p>\n

NFL mock draft: First-round projection going into the scouting combine<\/p>\n

28. Houston Texans \u2013 Blake Miller, OT, Clemson<\/p>\n

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29 \/ 32<\/p>\n

NFL mock draft: First-round projection going into the scouting combine<\/p>\n

29. Los Angeles Rams \u2013 Avieon Terrell, CB, Clemson<\/p>\n

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30 \/ 32<\/p>\n

NFL mock draft: First-round projection going into the scouting combine<\/p>\n

30. Denver Broncos \u2013 CJ Allen, LB, Georgia<\/p>\n

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31 \/ 32<\/p>\n

NFL mock draft: First-round projection going into the scouting combine<\/p>\n

31. New England Patriots \u2013 Cashius Howell, OLB, Texas A&M<\/p>\n

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32 \/ 32<\/p>\n

NFL mock draft: First-round projection going into the scouting combine<\/p>\n

32. Seattle Seahawks \u2013 Brandon Cisse, CB, South Carolina<\/p>\n

Tua Tagovailoa landing spotsArizona Cardinals<\/p>\n

It appears that Kyler Murray’s<\/a> days in the desert could be coming to an end, which would leave an open starting quarterback job for the Cardinals<\/a>. In terms of landing spots with the chance for playing time, it’s hard to not get excited about this one if you’re Tagovailoa. The Cardinals aren’t a constant topic on debate shows and the media attention in general is minimal.<\/p>\n

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That would allow Tagovailoa to go about his work silently, but with a head coach who has learned from some of the best. Mike LaFleur has stepped into the big chair in Arizona, leaving his post as offensive coordinator for Sean McVay’s Los Angeles Rams<\/a>. The competition in the division and NFC would be fierce for the quarterback, but this should be high on Tagovailoa’s list if he gets to pick a destination.<\/p>\n

Atlanta Falcons<\/p>\n

Could the Falcons<\/a> corner the market on left-handed quarterbacks? The Falcons already handed the keys to Michael Penix Jr.<\/a>, but he is coming back from a season-ending torn ACL in November. It is not a given that the quarterback will be ready in time for Week 1, especially given his injury history.<\/p>\n

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Atlanta hired Kevin Stefanski as its new head coach and a little consistency with quarterback handedness might not be the most far-fetched idea. There is a path for Tagovailoa to take the starting job on an interim or permanent basis, depending on his performance while Penix rehabs. Considering that he’d be surrounded with the likes of Drake London<\/a>, Kyle Pitts<\/a> and Bijan Robinson<\/a>, it would be a risk worth taking for Tagovailoa.<\/p>\n

NFL FREE AGENCY: Top 32 free agent ranked<\/a><\/p>\n

Minnesota Vikings<\/p>\n

If a starting job doesn’t present itself, Tagovailoa might want to try to rebuild his career with Kevin O’Connell in Minnesota. The Vikings<\/a>‘ quarterback reclamation project has seen multiple success stories over the last two seasons as Sam Darnold<\/a> and Daniel Jones<\/a> went on to revive their careers in a big way. Tagovailoa could be the next, whether that means serving as a backup for a season or potentially sliding into the QB1 job.<\/p>\n

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The Vikings struggled with\u00a0J.J. McCarthy<\/a>\u00a0under center in 2025, and it’s unclear what the team can expect from him in 2026. Injuries have been a major part of the young quarterback’s story through his first two seasons. Tagovailoa is the type of proven player that can provide some much-needed insurance behind McCarthy, or step in to take over the starting gig.<\/p>\n

New York Jets<\/p>\n

The Jets<\/a> will be connected to every quarterback with a pulse this offseason. Is Tagovailoa the right fit? Probably not. That doesn’t mean they wouldn’t look into it. There is the cold-weather element to playing for the Jets, something the other teams on this list don’t have to worry about. There is the media circus and, most importantly, a pressure to win that other teams don’t have.<\/p>\n

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New York is in the midst of a playoff drought that has spanned 15 seasons<\/a>, something that doesn’t appear to be ending anytime soon. There’s no question that Tagovailoa would step into the starting job, but it doesn’t feel like a soft landing spot for someone trying to turn their career around.<\/p>\n

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Tua Tagovailoa best fits: Landing spots for Dolphins QB if released<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"Tua Tagovailoa and the Miami Dolphins appear to be headed for a split. The writing has been on…\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":785259,"comment_status":"","ping_status":"","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[2049],"tags":[6912,390,254,4127,346,2772,217,4130,7,1519,6153,4827,58,216,251,2087,18665,259,255,6,1257,1878,7877,222,3452],"class_list":["post-785258","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","category-miami-dolphins","tag-aaron-jones","tag-arizona-cardinals","tag-atlanta-falcons","tag-bijan-robinson","tag-chiefs","tag-daniel-jones","tag-dolphins","tag-drake-london","tag-football","tag-j-j-mccarthy","tag-kyle-pitts","tag-kyler-murray","tag-los-angeles-rams","tag-miami","tag-miami-dolphins","tag-miamidolphins","tag-michael-penix","tag-minnesota-vikings","tag-new-york-jets","tag-nfl","tag-quarterback","tag-sam-darnold","tag-tagovailoa","tag-texans","tag-tua-tagovailoa"],"share_on_mastodon":{"url":"https:\/\/channels.im\/@nfl\/116156198967894377","error":""},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nfl\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/785258","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nfl\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nfl\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nfl\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nfl\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=785258"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nfl\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/785258\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nfl\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/785259"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nfl\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=785258"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nfl\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=785258"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nfl\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=785258"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}