In 2022, multiple concussions suffered by Miami Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa threatened to destroy his young NFL career. It was scary enough that in April 2023, he admitted to reporters that he had had some difficult conversations with his family about the possibility of retiring from the sport.
After a healthy 2023 season, Tagovailoa seemed to have turned over a new leaf with a body transformation and martial arts training aimed at avoiding head injuries. The Dolphins also apparently believed the injuries were a thing of the past, giving the quarterback a four-year, $212.4 million contract extension after his first Pro Bowl year.
But on Thursday evening, concerns about Tagovailoa’s concussion once again took center stage.
A headbutt with Buffalo Bills safety Damar Hamlin resulted in another severe concussion, ending Tagovailoa’s night and – given his alarming history of head injuries – raising questions about his future in the sport.
Can Tagovailoa, who received a “life-changing” contract back in July, continue to put himself in a position to take more setbacks? And if he decides to retire, what does that mean for the Dolphins?
Either way, Miami will likely have to pay for the majority of Tagovailoa’s massive contract extension, regardless of the decision.
While the only real focus here is on a full recovery, the answer to questions about Tua Tagovailoa’s contract is:
The deal includes a $167 million injury guarantee, of which $43 million was paid out in 2024.
If he is cleared to return to football for medical reasons but decides to retire, he will…
— Spotrac (@spotrac) 13 September 2024
In 2019, the Indianapolis Colts had the opportunity to recoup a significant amount owed to quarterback Andrew Luck when he abruptly retired due to injuries. However, the team waived its right to recoup bonuses owed to Luck and allowed him to keep the entire amount.
The contract amounts for Tagovailoa, however, are much, much higher. With $167 million of his contract covered in the event of an injury, the quarterback would be entitled to $125 million more than the $42 million already paid out if he is forced to end his career for medical reasons.
Even if he is allowed to return and decides to retire on his own, the Dolphins will reportedly have to pay another $90 million.
How the money owed to the quarterback and the resulting salary cap will be distributed over the remaining years of his contract is a question that will play a major role if Tagovailoa resigns.
At the moment, the Dolphins’ top priority is only Tagovailoa’s health. According to Mike McDaniel, he was in “good spirits” after the game and is scheduled to undergo further evaluations on Friday.
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This article originally appeared on Dolphins Wire: What happens if Dolphins QB Tua Tagovailoa retires after concussion?
