By The Miami Dolphins made it official Friday, picking up the fifth-year option for quarterback Tua Tagovailoa.
Tagovailoa suffered at least two concussions last season, leading to questions about his future in football. However, he’s made it clear he wants to continue playing, and a report earlier this week noted that head coach Mike McDaniel “fully believes Tua is the perfect fit for his system.”
Yet until the Dolphins picked up Tagovailoa’s option, their QB situation remained the subject of speculation. Some observers thought the Dolphins might pursue Lamar Jackson or Aaron Rodgers, or even try to lure Tom Brady out of retirement.
CBS Sports recently reported the Dolphins were considering “all options” at quarterback for 2023.
According to NFL Network’s Mike Garafolo, Tagovailoa’s option year in 2024 is worth a guaranteed $23.2 million. Tagovailoa is set, and the Dolphins have their quarterback for the near future.
Tua Tagovailoa passed for more than 3,500 yards, with 25 touchdowns and eight interceptions in 13 games in 2022.
NFL fans were split on the news, with some thinking the Dolphins made a smart move, while others pointed out the obvious risk factor given Tagovailoa’s concussion history.
The Dolphins picking up Tua Tagovailoa’s fifth-year option and guaranteeing his $23.4 million salary for 2024 is the ultimate sign that they don’t have any plans to sign any high-priced quarterbacks this off-season. Tua is their man.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) March 10, 2023
When you look at Daniel Jones getting over $40M/ year, I’d pick up that option at $23M quicker than a $100 lying on the sidewalk too…concussion history and all….
— Tank Williams (@TankWilliams13) March 10, 2023
No doubt, but the concussion issues are real. I wonder if there are protections around that? He seems very prone to additional concussions despite being an elite athlete.
— Kristopher B. Jones (@krisjonescom) March 10, 2023
How can you possibly be confident in this when he gets a concussion every other week?
— Marlo Stanfield (@BooRxdley) March 10, 2023
The Dolphins will pick up the 5th-year option on the contract of QB Tua Tagovailoa, per @MikeGarafolo
This is as risky as it gets, and the Dolphins may regret this decision because of Tua’s health concerns. PRINT IT! pic.twitter.com/JpA4QFSn1l
— Bottoms Up Sports (@bottomsupsport) March 10, 2023
NEW: The #MiamiDolphins kept telling everyone they were rolling with Tua Tagovailoa as their starting QB, but they made the most powerful statement possible by telling him they were picking up his fifth-year option and because of when they told him. #Tuahttps://t.co/S8Mohqej6Q
— Alain Poupart (@PoupartNFL) March 10, 2023
