During Thursday night’s showdown against the Bills, Tua Tagovailoa scrambled for a first down on fourth-and-4. He lowered his head and collided with Bills’ safety, Damar Hamlin, but the hit was hard and the Dolphins QB was left motionless on the turf, his arms tensed in a familiar and frightening pose. It took place as he chose to not slide after gaining the yardage for a first down. Many couldn’t help noticing that he was not close to the end zone and the extra territory he was looking to cover didn’t matter much.

This frightening injury also reminded people of the concussion he incurred during the 2022 NFL season after being slammed on the ground by the Cincinnati Bengals defensive line. Tagovailoa has now sustained three concussions throughout his NFL career:

First: Tagovailoa’s first concussion was during the 2022 season against the Cincinnati Bengals in Week 4.
Second: The QB suffered another concussion in the late 2022 season against the Green Bay Packers.
Third: Thursday night’s showdown against the Bills.

With this tough scenario and the QB’s latest concussion, the NFL world can’t help but wonder if he needs to retire soon. If Tua Tagovailoa decides to end his career, how much money would he get?

In his recent X post, Nick Wright shared: “Tua gets 93M no questions asked and probably 167M if he has to retire due to injury. He fought back from absolutely horrifying concussions to lead the league in passing and earn that contract from the Dolphins. He has to really consider hanging it up after tonight.”

His tweet cuts to the chase: What happens if Tagovailoa, who’s already mulled retirement once because of his concussion, decides to hang up his cleats for good?

With a fresh four-year, $212.4 million extension in his pocket and $167,171,000 guaranteed, his financial future seems secure. Tagovailoa’s deal isn’t just a contract; it’s a fortress, which made him one of the highest-paid QBs. Let us break it down:

– $42 million signing bonus
– $93,171,000 guaranteed at signing (covering 2024 salary, 2025 salary, and a 2025 roster bonus)
– Another $54 million becomes fully guaranteed in March 2025

It’s a safety net, but there’s more to the story than just the athlete’s contract. The NFL’s retirement benefits package is like a Swiss Army knife for players hanging up their helmets.

Tua Tagovailoa: NFL’s retirement plan

As Dez Bryant bluntly put it on X: “That’s it… NFL go ahead and do the right thing. Tua has had entirely way too many concussions. He need to retire for his longevity health concerns.” It’s a sentiment echoed by fans and experts alike, who have watched his promising career become a high-stakes gamble.

Neuroscientist Chris Nowinski pointed out the concerning signs after Tagovailoa’s latest hit: “Note his right hand balling into a fist and his arm going straight in the air. That’s posturing and a sign of loss of consciousness and a #concussion.” Amid these concerns, people want the QB to retire and not sustain any more damage.

The NFL Severance Plan offers a lump-sum payment for a year after a player’s last snap. The Player Insurance Plan provides five years of extended medical coverage. And don’t forget the Health Reimbursement Account Plan, where players in 2020 could stash away $35,000 per credited season, up to a max of $450,000.

The NFL also has a Disability Plan that could be a crucial lifeline. It covers Total and Permanent Disability, Line of Duty, and Neurocognitive Disability. Each category has its own playbook and payout structure.

The 88 Plan, another NFL benefit, offers up to $160,000 yearly for in-patient care and $140,000 for at-home care for players diagnosed with dementia, ALS, or Parkinson’s. By 2025, those numbers will increase to $185,000 and $165,000, respectively.

But is any amount of money worth the risk? As Ryan Clark tweeted, “Watching Tua Tagovailoa bury his helmet into Damar Hamlin’s chest was some of the scariest stuff I’ve seen in a long time, and it wasn’t even that big a collision.”

In the end, the decision rests with Tua Tagovailoa. But as he weighs his options, one thing’s clear: the NFL’s retirement plan offers a softer landing than the turf he hit on Thursday night. The question remains: At what point does the price of playing become too high, even with a golden parachute?