The Miami Dolphins wrapped up the 2024 season with an 8-9 record, having clinched victories in six of their final nine games, despite a rocky 2-6 start. A significant factor in the Dolphins’ underwhelming season was the absence of star quarterback Tua Tagovailoa, who missed six of the 17 games due to a head injury following a concussion in their Week 2 clash with the Buffalo Bills.

“I feel responsible for putting myself in danger during the second game and essentially abandoning my teammates,” Tagovailoa reflected before Miami’s Week 14 matchup against the New York Jets. During the offseason, Tua has been spending quality time with rival quarterback Baker Mayfield of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

Mayfield led his team to the NFC wild-card game, where they fell to the Washington Commanders and their standout rookie QB Jayden Daniels. A video shared online captures Tua and Baker belting out “Party in the U.S.A.” by Miley Cyrus, as they dance with their families aboard a boat. “I want this day to last forever,” Brooke Miranda posted on her Instagram story.

She is the wife of Miami Dolphins linebacker Quinton Bell, who also attended the gathering. Despite playing for different teams, Tagovailoa and Mayfield have forged a strong bond that transcends NFL competition, possibly due to the shared experience of handling the pressures of leading a franchise.

The Dolphins’ actions hint at an uncertain future for Tua within the franchise. Although they awarded the 26-year-old quarterback a record-breaking four-year, $212.4 million extension in July 2024, they chose not to restructure his contract this offseason—a decision that could have freed up $19 million in cap space.

For a team facing financial hurdles and needing to enhance its roster, this choice is intriguing. Restructuring would have offered immediate financial relief but would have increased Tua’s cap hit in the later years of his deal. By maintaining the current contract, Miami retains the option to release Tagovailoa after the 2026 season with only an $8 million dead cap penalty.

This financial maneuver suggests a cautious approach by the Dolphins regarding Tagovailoa’s long-term role as their franchise quarterback. Even though Tua showcased his potential by completing his sole full season in 2023, his history of injuries, particularly concussions, continues to be a major concern.