Dolphins GM provides big update on Tua Tagovailoa's future despite concussion issues
Tua Tagovailoa has been in a difficult position with the Miami Dolphins during the 2023 NFL offseason. The franchise has until May 1st to decide whether or not they will pick up the fifth-year option on his rookie contract. His alarming injury history during the 2022 NFL season may cause them to hesitate a bit. He suffered multiple severe concussions, forcing him to miss extended time.
Dolphins general manager Chris Grier recently provided some clarity on the complicated situation of Tagovailoa's future with the team. He was asked during a recent press conference if he had any concerns about his quarterback's durability moving forward.
“I can’t lie and say no. But it's not something that’s going to make us afraid to do something long-term.”
Dolphins GM Chris Grier gave an honest answer on his concerns about Tua's "durability"
“I can’t lie and say no. But it's not something that’s going to make us afraid to do something longterm.”
(via @CameronWolfe) https://t.co/FTlvAUjUMs
Chris Grier's refreshingly honest answer acknowledges that giving Tua Tagovailoa a long-term contract certainly comes with additional risks, but he isn't going to be scared away by injury hypotheticals. This indicates that Grier likely believes that he already has a future franchise quarterback on the roster. His impressive play on the football field when he's healthy suggests that he may be right.
Tua Tagovailoa has shown flashes of being an NFL superstar when avoids injuries
Tua Tagovailoa was selected by the Dolphins with the fifth overall pick in the first round of the 2020 NFL Draft following an outstanding college football career with the Alabama Crimson Tide. He served as the starting quarterback for the Dolphins for about half of his rookie season, turning in a solid 6-3 record with 11 touchdowns and five interceptions.
Tagovailoa continued to showcase his promising potential during the 2021 NFL season. He posted a 7-5 record in 12 starts while throwing 16 touchdowns and ten interceptions.
The Dolphins then made major changes during the 2022 offseason, including hiring Mike McDaniel as their new head coach and acquiring Tyreek Hill via trade with the Kansas City Chiefs.
The new additions appear to have unlocked Tua Tagovailoa's full potential as he elevated his game to the next level. He was among the favorites to win the NFL MVP award for the opening part of the 2022 season. His campaign was unfortunately derailed by injuries. He suffered his first concussion in Week 4 against the Cincinnati Bengals and missed the next two games.
Tua Tagovailoa returned for the next nine games and continued to rack up impressive numbers. His play helped the Dolphins make an appearance in the NFL Playoffs against the Buffalo Bills, but a second concussion forced him to miss his first postseason game. He suffered the injury in Week 15 against the Green Bay Packers and was ruled out of the remaining games.
Despite only starting 13 games, Tagovailoa still finished inside the top ten in the NFL MVP voting. The 24-year-old led the entire league with a 105.5 passer rating and 13.7 yards per completion.
Tagovailoa's brilliance when healthy is likely to be why Chris Grier made his recent comments that the injuries won't scare him away from offering Tagovailoa a long-term contract. He has proven to be MVP-caliber at his best.