One of the most notable contract extensions from 2024 is now being dubbed one of the NFL's worst.
Miami Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa signed an extension worth $212.4 million across four years, rather than have the quarterback play on the fifth-year option of his rookie deal. Bleacher Report's Kristopher Knox is calling that contract a mistake because of his injury history and lack of playoff success.
"The deal Miami offered Tagovailoa wasn't logical," Knox wrote. "While he had stayed healthy in 2023, he had a lengthy injury history that included multiple concussions."
Those concussions were concerning enough to the media, coaches, and former players alike that some suggested the quarterback should retire. Yet, Tagovailoa will be back on the field in 2025, coming off a season where he played just 11 games because of a concussion and an injured hip.
Miami Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa (1) walks off the field with training staff after an apparent injury during the second half against the Buffalo Bills at Hard Rock Stadium.
Miami Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa (1) walks off the field with training staff after an apparent injury during the second half against the Buffalo Bills at Hard Rock Stadium.
Jasen Vinlove-Imagn Images
Instead of signing their rising star quarterback to a big contract, Knox has a different idea of what Miami should have done
"It probably would have made more sense for Miami to allow Tagovailoa to play on the fifth-year option in 2024 or offer a shorter extension with less guaranteed money," Knox said.
Regardless of the big contract or Knox's disapproval of it, he still acknowledges that Tagovailoa can be one of the league's top quarterbacks if he stays healthy. Still, Knox does not think the deal is worth the injury problems.
"He's simply too much of a risk to be worth a deal that includes more than $167 million guaranteed and makes him the sixth-highest-paid player in NFL history," Knox said.
Health concerns aside, the Dolphins have too much money invested in Tagovailoa to give up on him, and this year is a crucial one. The way he plays this season will likely have an even bigger influence on the perception of his contract going forward.