Major $43M Development in Tua Tagovailoa’s Health Situation with Dolphins
Tua Tagovailoa’s future with the Miami Dolphins and the NFL remains in limbo following his recent head injury. Despite his strong determination to return to the field, there are growing concerns that his professional football career might be at risk. The uncertainty surrounding Tagovailoa’s recovery has led to speculation about whether he will be able to continue playing at the highest level. As he sits on injured reserve, he will be sidelined for at least four games, with a potential return by Week 8 contingent on medical clearance.
In light of these concerns, the Dolphins have a safety net in place. The team has an insurance policy that could significantly mitigate the financial impact if Tagovailoa is unable to play again. His current contract, signed in the 2024 offseason, is worth $212.4 million and includes $167 million in injury guarantees. Out of this, $43 million has already been paid. The insurance policy in place covers $49.3 million of the remaining injury guarantees, providing some financial protection for the team should Tagovailoa’s career be cut short.
According to ESPN’s Dan Graziano, the insurance policy specifically covers several key components of Tagovailoa’s contract. If he suffers a career-ending injury before the 2025 offseason, the Dolphins are protected against a portion of his signing bonus and future salary. This includes coverage for $30 million of his $42 million signing bonus, $10 million of his 2025 salary, and $9.3 million of his 2026 salary. This arrangement helps cushion the financial blow if Tagovailoa’s injury proves to be career-ending.
Tagovailoa is reportedly seeking opinions from multiple independent neurologists before making any decisions about his return to the field. This cautious approach underscores the seriousness of his condition and the careful consideration required for his potential comeback. As the Dolphins navigate this challenging situation, the insurance policy offers a measure of security and underscores the team’s preparedness for unexpected developments in Tagovailoa’s career.
