Dolphins, Cardinals turn 2026 into NFL’s priciest QB breakup year

Jared Beilby, USA TODAYWed, March 18, 2026 at 10:07 AM UTC

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When the Miami Dolphins released Tua Tagovailoa on March 9, they didn’t just end a six-year relationship — they also triggered $99.2 million in dead cap, surpassing the previous record of $85 million that the Denver Broncos absorbed over two seasons when they released Russell Wilson after the 2023 season.

The record dead cap hit wasn’t alone on the news cycle. Just two days later, the Arizona Cardinals released Kyler Murray to the dead cap tune of $54.7 million.

The two releases make the 2026 offseason one of the costliest quarterback dead-cap cycles in NFL history. And among the seven other biggest quarterback dead-cap cases, only one other offseason occupies two spots: 2023, when Tom Brady retired and when Green Bay traded Aaron Rodgers.

Ultimately, the timing matters as much as the totals. Dead cap hits land in the same windows when teams are trying to reshape their rosters through free agency and trades. Carrying $40-50 million in dead money — or nearly $100 million in Miami’s case — can dictate strategy: fewer signings, more restructures and a heavier reliance on draft picks.

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However, success can come quickly to teams, even after pricey breakups. Philadelphia, for instance, made the Super Bowl two years after dealing with Carson Wentz’s dead cap hit. And Denver reached the AFC title game this past season — when it was still dealing with Wilson’s $32 million figure for 2025.

1 / 02026 NFL offseason tracker: Player signings, trades

OT Tytus Howard: Traded to Cleveland Browns (previous team: Houston Texans)

Only the future will tell when it comes to the Dolphins and Cardinals. Miami turned around and signed Malik Willis, formerly of Tennessee and Green Bay, while Arizona looks to rely on Jacoby Brissett, who started 12 games last season while Murray was injured, or they might tap recently-signed journeyman Gardner Minshew.

DIG DEEPER:

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This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: NFL 2026 offseason sees record QB dead cap from Dolphins, Cardinals

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Source: “AOL Sports”