The Miami Dolphins have officially picked up the fifth-year option on Tua Tagovailoa’s contract in a major commitment to the quarterback.
Tagovailoa enjoyed the best year of his career in 2022 as he led the NFL in passer rating (105.5). In doing so, he became the first Dolphins quarterback to achieve such a feat since the legendary Dan Marino back in 1984.
However, the 25-year-old - the fifth overall pick in the 2020 NFL Draft - was limited to just 13 games as he struggled with concussions. Tagovailoa was ruled out as the Dolphins exited the playoffs at the hands of the Buffalo Bills, who secured a 34-31 win over their AFC East rivals.
Despite health concerns, the Dolphins confirmed they officially triggered Tagovailoa’s fifth-year option on Monday. The option locks the quarterback into a fully-guaranteed salary of $23.2m (£18.9m) for the 2024 campaign - which is a big financial commitment.
The decision ultimately backs up Miami’s confidence in Tagovailoa and ends any speculation surrounding a move for any available high-profile quarterbacks, such as Lamar Jackson or the retired Tom Brady. Tagovailoa will be the Dolphins’ quarterback for the foreseeable future - but the health concerns will likely continue going into next season.
The Dolphins signed former New York Jets quarterback Mike White to join the quarterback room in 2023, offering him a two-year deal worth $8m (£6.52m). He will compete with Skylar Thompson for the backup role behind Tagovailoa, who completed just 18 passes from 45 attempts in the postseason loss to the Bills.
Many NFL fans and figures are concerned for Tagovailoa’s immediate health, with some even calling for him to retire after he suffered his third head injury of the season. Back in September, Tagovailoa was hospitalised due to a second head injury in as many games.
Just days after taking a scary hit to the head against the Buffalo Bills, the deeply concerning moment came when the former Alabama star suffered a concussion against the Cincinnati Bengals. As he lay on the pitch against the Bengals, Tagovailoa’s fingers displayed the ‘fencing response’ which traditionally signifies a serious neurological issue.
Shortly afterwards, the NFL and NFLPA announced they would review the concussion protocol with a new rule implemented while the consultant who cleared Tagovailoa following a check against the Bills was fired. Dr Bennet Omalu - the first doctor to discover and publish findings on chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE) in American Football players - urged Tagovailoa to retire immediately.
Tagovailoa entered the concussion protocol once more after falling 26-20 to the Green Bay Packers on Christmas Day as he appeared to bounce his head off the turf in the second half. He subsequently threw three interceptions in the loss and didn’t return to the field for the rest of the season.
Tagovailoa has played in 36 career games for the Dolphins, completing 708 of 1,078 passes for 8,015 yards and 52 touchdowns. His career passer rating of 95.0 is the highest in Dolphins history and his 65.7 career completion percentage ranks second among all-time Dolphins passers. Last season, Tagovailoa was voted a team captain and won the Don Shula Leadership Award, which was selected by his teammates.
