How Much Will Tua Tagovailoa Make if He Retires? NFL Contract Explained

Rumors are circulating about Tua Tagovailoa’s contract and potential retirement from the NFL, capturing the attention of fans and analysts. As the Miami Dolphins navigate the 2024 season, Tagovailoa’s future has become a major topic of conversation. Concerns about his health and contract implications have fueled debates about his long-term impact on the team.

Here’s an in-depth look at Tua Tagovailoa’s retirement considerations and what it could mean for the Miami Dolphins moving forward.

Tua Tagovailoa retirement rumors explained

Miami Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa acknowledged that he considered retiring from the NFL after suffering multiple concussions during the 2022 season (via Bleacher Report).

The repeated head injuries raised serious concerns about his long-term health and career prospects. Tagovailoa, however, decided to continue playing after discussions with his family and receiving assurances from medical professionals that his risk of future concussions was not significantly elevated.

Tagovailoa’s first documented concussion occurred in Week 4 against the Cincinnati Bengals, leading to a two-game absence. He suffered another concussion in Week 16 against the Green Bay Packers, sidelining him for the remainder of the season, including a playoff game. Despite these setbacks, Tagovailoa stated that his love for football and desire for his son to see him play motivated him to remain in the NFL.

How much will Miami Dolphins owe Tua Tagovailoa if he retires?

If Tagovailoa retires, the financial impact on the Dolphins will depend on how his retirement is classified.

Under his four-year, $212.4 million contract, Tua Tagovailoa has $132 million fully guaranteed. This includes a $42 million signing bonus that has already been paid. If his retirement is deemed injury-related, Miami would owe him around $167 million. This total includes both injury guarantees and the signing bonus (via AtoZsports).

Alternatively, if his retirement is not classified as injury-related, the Dolphins would owe Tagovailoa approximately $90 million in addition to the $42 million signing bonus already paid. The team might also try to recover part of the signing bonus, depending on the terms of the retirement agreement.

Tua Tagovailoa’s multiple concussions have sparked serious discussions about his NFL future. His contract has significant financial implications for the Miami Dolphins if he retires. Despite this, Tagovailoa remains determined to continue playing. He is adapting to new training techniques to protect his health. However, concerns about his long-term well-being persist among fans and analysts alike.