Dolphins still weighing decision to pick up Tagovailoa's 5th-year option

The Miami Dolphins have yet to make a decision on whether to pick up quarterback Tua Tagovailoa's fifth-year option.

"Like any other player, you factor in every variable," head coach Mike McDaniel said Tuesday at the NFL Scouting Combine, according to ESPN's Marcel Louis-Jacques. "I think it's important to recognize we have a congruence of interests by the Dolphins and the player, Tua, that both parties really want him to play at a very high level for a long time for the Miami Dolphins."

Miami has until May 1 to decide whether to exercise the 2024 option worth close to $23.2 million.

The Dolphins have reportedly committed to Tagovailoa as the team's starter in 2023 after he led the league with a 105.5 passer rating and 8.9 yards gained per pass attempt last season. He also posted career highs with 3,548 passing yards and 25 touchdowns in his third pro campaign.

Tagovailoa was sidelined for five games last season, which included a loss in the wild-card round to the Buffalo Bills, due to a pair of concussions.

General manager Chris Grier said he was assured by doctors that Tagovailoa isn't more prone to concussions after the passer cleared the league's protocol on Feb. 1, according to the Miami Herald's Daniel Oyefusi.

The Alabama product said he'll participate in judo sessions this offseason to help him avoid head injuries when he falls.

Tagovailoa, who turns 25 on March 2, is also eligible for a long-term contract. If Miami opts not to pick up the option in his rookie deal, Tagovailoa would become a free agent after the 2023 season.

Miami will also need to decide who'll back up Tagovailoa next season, with Teddy Bridgewater set to become a free agent. Skylar Thompson is currently the only other passer on the roster.