Dolphins secure $49.3M insurance for Tua Tagovailoa amid injury concerns

The Miami Dolphins have secured a $49.3 million insurance policy for quarterback Tua Tagovailoa, who is currently on injured reserve due to a concussion sustained during a game against the Buffalo Bills. This policy is activated if he is not cleared by doctors to return to play. Tagovailoa's contract, worth $212.4 million over four years, includes $167 million in injury guarantees, with $43 million already paid out. If he remains unfit to play, the Dolphins are obligated to pay the remaining $124 million in guarantees, which the insurance could help offset. The insurance policy can be claimed for injuries occurring from the contract signing in July until the start of offseason workouts in 2025. The maximum coverage decreases annually, starting at $49.3 million and dropping to $36.975 million in 2025. If Tagovailoa is forced to retire due to medical reasons, both his injury guarantees and the insurance payout would be triggered. However, if he retires voluntarily, he would lose the remaining guarantees and potentially face recoupment of his signing bonus. Tagovailoa has a history of concussions, having missed five games in the 2022 season due to two diagnosed concussions and experiencing another during his college career at Alabama. His eligibility to return to play is set for October 27 against the Arizona Cardinals, contingent on medical clearance. As he recovers, Tagovailoa plans to consult multiple independent neurologists to ensure his health and safety before making a return to the field. The focus remains on his well-being as the Dolphins navigate the implications of his contract and insurance policy.