As the NFL Draft approaches, all eyes will be on former Alabama quarterback Tua Tagovailoa. With a college football career that includes a 69.3% pass completion rate, 7,442 passing yards, 87 touchdowns, and 348 rushing yards, Tagovailoa is undoubtedly talented. However, concerns about his health may impact his future NFL earnings potential.
Uncertainty Surrounding Tagovailoa’s Health
Tagovailoa suffered a right hip dislocation with a posterior wall fracture during a game on November 16, which required surgery. In the past two seasons, he has also undergone two surgeries for ankle injuries. While his recent medical exams show everything looks good, it remains uncertain whether he will fully recover. Tagovailoa said recently: “None of the guys rehabbing me can tell me that. From what [specialists have] seen in New York, everything looks good, but you can’t really tell until the three-month mark or the four-month mark.”
The Impact of the NFL Draft
Despite concerns about his health, there is a good chance Tagovailoa will be drafted early in the first round. The Miami Dolphins, who hold the fifth selection, are considering trading up to have a chance to select him, while the Los Angeles Chargers, who have the sixth pick, are also in the mix.
However, if Tagovailoa were to slip out of the top five picks, it is not clear which team would be willing to draft him. Several teams already have established or promising young quarterbacks, which could make it difficult for Tagovailoa to secure a high draft position.
Potential Financial Impact
If Tagovailoa’s health concerns bring down his draft position, it could have a major financial impact on his career. Last year, the No. 5 overall pick, Devin White, signed a deal worth slightly over $29.31 million. However, the No. 18 pick, Garrett Bradbury, signed for about $12.88 million, and the No. 26 pick, Montez Sweat, signed for approximately $11.64 million.
Assuming Tagovailoa is drafted in the top five picks, his signing bonus alone would likely be between $16 to $18 million, based on last year’s rookie scale. However, if his medical situation causes him to fall outside this range, he could stand to lose out on millions of dollars.
Conclusion
As the NFL Draft approaches, Tua Tagovailoa’s health and future prospects will be closely scrutinized. If he is drafted early, his career in the NFL could be very lucrative. However, if his medical issues lead to him being drafted outside the top five picks, his earning potential could be significantly lower. Nonetheless, Tagovailoa remains an exciting talent, and his future in the NFL will be watched with great interest.