The Miami Dolphins and Arizona Cardinals are reportedly encountering financial complications as they explore potential trades involving their starting quarterbacks, Tua Tagovailoa and Kyler Murray, respectively. While no deals are imminent, NFL sources indicate that both organizations are exploring options regarding their quarterback situations heading into the offseason.
For Miami, Tagovailoa has completed his fourth season with the team. A former first-round draft pick, Tagovailoa has shown progress and led the Dolphins to multiple playoff appearances, yet questions remain about his long-term fit as the franchise quarterback. With his fifth-year option coming due, Miami must weigh the benefits of extending Tagovailoa versus pursuing alternative options, either through the draft, free agency, or trade. Any move to trade the quarterback would invoke a significant cap hit due to the structure of his rookie contract, presenting a major roadblock for a potential deal.
Similarly, in Arizona, the Cardinals face a complicated situation with Kyler Murray. Murray, also a former No. 1 overall pick, is under a long-term contract extension signed prior to the 2022 season. The structure of his deal includes sizable guaranteed salary and bonuses that would complicate any transaction before certain key roster deadlines. While Murray returned to the field in 2025 following recovery from a knee injury, the Cardinals find themselves in a rebuilding phase under a new coaching regime. Whether Arizona sees Murray as part of that long-term vision remains to be seen.
Given these financial constraints, both franchises will need to carefully assess not only their salary cap positions but also the potential market for their quarterbacks. Finding trade partners willing to absorb large contracts or negotiate aggressive restructures is expected to be a significant internal challenge. As the offseason progresses, teams around the league will monitor these situations to determine whether either quarterback could become realistically available.
Until then, Tua Tagovailoa and Kyler Murray remain central figures on their respective teams, with their futures tied closely to financial and strategic decisions that both front offices must navigate in the coming months.
