Dolphins face $124M blow if Tua Tagovailoa retires after latest concussion

MIAMI, FLORIDA: Tua Tagovailoa's NFL career is in serious jeopardy following his third concussion in just 24 months, which occurred during a Thursday night game against the Buffalo Bills.

The quarterback collapsed on the field, displaying symptoms of a traumatic brain injury after a hit by Bills safety Damar Hamlin, as per Fox News.

This latest concussion adds to a worrying history of brain injuries, having already suffered two concussions in the 2022 season alone.

Miami Dolphins on the hook for $124 million if Tua Tagovailoa chooses to retire early

With this latest injury, concerns are rising not just for Tua Tagovailoa's health but also for the future of the Miami Dolphins.

If the quarterback is unable to return to the field, the Dolphins could face a significant financial blow due to his $212.4 million contract, which includes $124 million still guaranteed if he is forced into early retirement.

The conversation around Tagovailoa's future intensified after his latest injury, with many speculating whether he should continue playing.

His collapse on the turf sent shockwaves through the NFL community, prompting calls from fellow athletes, former NFL players, and fans for him to consider stepping away from the game to protect his long-term health.

This incident marked his fourth concussion overall, casting a shadow on his playing future.

Tagovailoa will undergo the NFL's concussion protocols in the coming days to determine if he can safely return to the field.

However, there remains a possibility that he won't be medically cleared to play again. If Tagovailoa is unable to pass the concussion protocols for the third time in his NFL career, retirement could be the only option left for him.

The stakes are high for both the player and the team. If Tagovailoa is medically forced into retirement, the Dolphins are on the hook for a significant portion of his $212.4 million contract.

Despite signing this contract in July, which guaranteed him $167 million, Tagovailoa has so far earned $43 million. If he has to retire due to medical reasons, he is entitled to the remaining $124 million.

However, the situation becomes more complex if Tagovailoa is cleared to return but chooses to retire on his own accord. In this scenario, he would forfeit the guaranteed money unless a settlement is reached between him and the Dolphins.

The contract, finalized after his previous concussions and even after he had contemplated retirement, now puts the Dolphins in a challenging financial position.

Miami Dolphins potential financial implications spark reactions online

As news of the Dolphins' potential financial implications spread, social media erupted with reactions, many of which were critical of the team's decision-making.

One person remarked, "Bad franchises always make bad decisions. They chose to give him elite QB money, knowing his concussion issues." Another said, "Very very foolish decision the dolphins owner, Steve Ross and the coaching and medical staff made giving the concussion-prone QB first the ridiculous offer."

"It was completely ignorant to sign Tua to a 124 million dollar contract considering his history with concussions," wrote one person. Another added, "It's the owners' faults for giving out these multi-million dollar contracts and guaranteeing most or all of the money."

One individual wrote, "Am a long-time Dolphins fan, and said a year ago not to sign Tua to a long-term contract. A blind man could see this coming." Another pointed out, "Big contracts carry big risks...."

One netizen remarked, "Proving once again that the NFL has way too much stupid money to spend." Another added, "Pure insanity that NFL Team owners caved into players and their Agents many years ago to pay these sort of guarantees."

This article contains remarks made on the Internet by individual people and organizations. MEAWW cannot confirm them independently and does not support claims or opinions being made online.