Despite health concerns the Dolphins stick with Tua Tagovailoa. Why?
With the team having now committed to their QB, it’s clear they have full confidence in his talents despite the health concerns that plagued his latest campaign.
It was a tough season for the Dolphins and their signal caller, especially considering the numerous health concerns that he suffered due to repeated concussions. Now, with the 2023-24 NFL season approaching, the franchise has made it clear that they still believe in their man in the middle.
Dolphins pick up Tua Tagovailoa’s 5th year option
If there’s one thing we can take from recent reports, it’s that the Miami Dolphins are firmly behind their franchise quarterback, Tua Tagovailoa. It’s now understood, that the team has picked up his fifth-year option, which means that Tagovailoa is tied to the franchise right through to 2024 and will earn $23.17 million fully guaranteed during that season.
What’s interesting about Miami’s move, is that it comes as a clear indication that the team won’t be tempted into dipping into the market this year. There are of course a handful of high-profile signal callers known to be available, such as Lamar Jackson, or even Tom Brady who - rumor has it - could be tempted out retirement once again. No, in the end, Dolphins have left no doubt that Tua is their man. To be fair, the 25-year-old had a break out season under first-year head coach, Mike McDaniel, until it was derailed by multiple concussions. To that end, it was understandable when Dolphins GM, Chris Grier, admitted that Tagovailoa’s health would factor into any decision about his future with the team, however, he also made it clear it wouldn’t be the governing force. “It’s not something that is going to make us afraid to do something long term with him.”
Talking about Tua Tagovailoa
It would be fair to say that Tagovailoa didn’t set the world on fire in his first two years in the NFL, but the former fifth overall pick in the 2020 NFL Draft definitely found his rhythm with McDaniel’s arrival in his third season - this last one. Across 13 games played, he led the NFL in yards per attempt (8.9) and passer rating (105.5). With Tua in the middle as a starter, the Dolphins went 8-5, while they were 1-4 when he wasn’t and unfortunately, the latter included their loss to the Bills in the Wild Card Round.
Indeed, Tua’s absences due to concussion - he had two of them this past season - were the root of the Dolphins’ problems. It’s worth mentioning, that he was in fact only cleared from concussion protocol just last month. That said, there appears to be full confidence in his capacity to be healthy for the coming season. Interestingly, Tagovailoa has reportedly been taking judo classes in an effort to learn how to fall safely, which may raise the eyebrows of some, but is actually an impressive example of his dedication to evolving as a player. With the Dolphins now committing to him, we can only wait to see whether their seemingly solid relationship can bear fruit.