In an ill-advised move to reach out to Buffalo Bills defensive back Damar Hamlin, Tua Tagovailoa’s massive offseason extension is now a thing of the past and his long-term health has become a widely debated topic.
The Miami Dolphins quarterback suffered his third concussion in the past two years and the fourth of his football career on Thursday night.
Concerns about Tagovailoa’s future, combined with increased awareness of the effects of CTE, have led some to believe the quarterback should not play again.
It remains to be seen whether Tagovailoa will miss any time while going through the NFL’s concussion protocol.
Few options remain for the Dolphins and Tagovailoa with his future in doubt so soon after signing a lucrative extension designed to keep him behind center in Miami for at least the next decade.
Tagovailoa suffered his third concussion of his NFL career on Thursday night against Buffalo.
There are some long-term plans for Tagovailoa and his long-term health that can come to fruition.
Insurance would cover $49.3 million of the $167.1 million guaranteed for injury in Tagovailoa’s contract. He would be paid the full amount if doctors don’t clear him to play but he doesn’t retire, according to the report. The Miami Herald.
Of the $167.1 million guaranteed, $43 million has already been given to Tagovailoa, which he will be able to keep even if he does not play another game.
If Tagovailoa is medically cleared to return to football but decides to retire, he will forfeit the remaining $124 million on the table unless he and the team come to an agreement.
Tagovailoa deciding to retire after receiving medical clearance is an unlikely scenario given all the money he would be giving away, especially after returning to football after suffering two concussions during the 2022 season.
If Tagovailoa is healthy for the 2025 season and the Dolphins release him, the team will still owe him the $50 million he is owed next year. His 2026 salary of $54 million becomes guaranteed on March 14, 2025.
Without a major update on Tagovailoa’s health being made public in the days following his latest concussion, his short-term condition would reduce Miami’s long-term options.