Tua Tagovailoa’s recent concussion brings with it a number of uncomfortable “what if” questions.
The Dolphins quarterback suffered his third such injury in Thursday’s 31-10 loss to the Bills, in a frightening scene in the third quarter when he ran headfirst into Buffalo safety Damar Hamlin.
Further concerns about his condition are the two concussions he previously suffered, both of which occurred within a period of several weeks during the 2022 season.
The latest incident has quickly sparked a heated debate about his future in the NFL and a possible retirement, but the Dolphins were not ready to enter that discussion on Friday.
“I think it would be so wrong of me to even bring up the subject,” head coach Mike McDaniel told reporters. “It’s more in line with genuine concern for the man. You’re talking about his career… I completely understand that people want that, but I wish people would hear what I’m saying. Bringing up his future is not in his best interest. I ask anyone who really cares to consider that last.”
When Tagovailoa, McDaniel and the rest of the Dolphins come together to work things out, there will be some big dollar signs along with the question marks that will make things all the more uncomfortable.
The quarterback signed a four-year, $212.4 million contract with Miami that begins this year, with $167,171,000 of that guaranteed—$43 million of which has already been paid out.
According to Spotrac’s Michael Ginnitti, Tagovailoa can collect the remaining $124 million if he is not cleared to return to football for medical reasons.
If he is acquitted but decides to retire, he would forgo the money.
Tagovailoa must pass a physical in March. If he does, the Dolphins could release him, with $50 million of his 2025 contract “hanging in the balance,” Ginnitti said.
Consequences of Tua Tagovailoa’s concussion
The quarterback’s $54 million payout for the 2026 season is guaranteed on March 14.
The money isn’t relevant yet, though. Right now, the focus is on making sure Tagovailoa can recover from another head injury – no matter how long it takes.
“The schedule is the last thing I’m thinking about,” McDaniel said. “We just have to evaluate the situation and take care of my teammate, as well as the rest of the guys. We’ll get more information tomorrow and then take it day by day.”
