The Miami Dolphins were able to insure Tua Tagovailoa’s massive contract for tens of millions of dollars in case of injury.
ESPN NFL insider Dan Graziano reports Tagovailoa’s $212.4 million contract has been insured for $49.3 million. This is more relevant after the Dolphins quarterback was placed on injured reserve following his latest concussion.
According to Graziano, the policy would come into play to help pay off the rest of $124 million in injury-guaranteed money owed to Tagovailoa if doctors don’t clear him to play and he’s forced into retirement.
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“Specifically, if Tagovailoa suffers a career-ending injury before the 2025 offseason program, the Dolphins have insurance against $30 million of his $42 million signing bonus, $10 million of his 2025 salary and $9.3 million of his 2026 salary,” Graziano writes.
Sportrac reports Tagovailoa’s deal included $167 million guaranteed for injury, which $43 million has already been paid this year.
While a full recovery is the only real focus here, in response to questions regarding Tua Tagovailoa's contract:
— Spotrac (@spotrac) September 13, 2024
The deal includes $167M guaranteed for injury, $43M of which has been paid in 2024.
If he's medically cleared to return to football, but opts to retire, he will…
Tagovailoa suffered his third-known concussion in the NFL last Thursday night against the Buffalo Bills when he lowered his head and ran into defensive back Damar Hamlin. The QB immediately went down and started fencing, where his arms went into an unnatural position.
It’s the second time Tagovailoa went into a fencing posture on an NFL field after suffering a severe concussion.
The earliest Tagovailoa can return is Week 8 against the Arizona Cardinals. It remains to be seen if that’s the case as many in the NFL community are calling for him to retire.
The Dolphins signed former Pro Bowl quarterback Tyler Huntley to replace Tagovailoa’s spot on the roster. Backup Skylar Thompson is expected to start against the Seattle Seahawks on Sunday.
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