The 2024 season has just begun, but Tua Tagovailoa’s career is already in jeopardy after sustaining a concussion in Miami’s recent game against the Buffalo Bills. This has led to discussions about the possibility of him retiring.
His contract with the Dolphins includes a guaranteed sum of $167.1 million, with $42 million already paid this year. If Tua is forced to retire due to medical reasons, he would be entitled to the remaining $124 million.
However, if he passes a physical next March, the Dolphins could release him, with only $50 million of his 2025 compensation remaining. The Dolphins are facing a decision regarding Tagovailoa, as the $54 million owed to him for 2026 becomes guaranteed on March 14.
Releasing him after June would result in a $83.6 million dead cap over the final two years of his contract. There is anticipation that Tua will be cleared by next March despite having experienced multiple head injuries in the past.
In 2022, Tagovailoa had contemplated retirement after encountering a string of concussions. He admitted that sitting down with his family made him consider walking away from the game but ultimately decided that it would be hard for him to do so.
He expressed his love for football and stated that his health and family were his priorities. Experts have compared Tua’s situation to that of former Colts quarterback Andrew Luck, who retired unexpectedly in August 2019 due to injuries and constant rehabilitation.
Luck’s decision sparked discussions about player health, the pressures of professional sports, and the broader mental and physical challenges that athletes face.
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