Falcons GM: Former Dolphins QB Tagovailoa Will Compete for Starting Role

Atlanta Falcons General Manager Ian Cunningham announced that newly acquired quarterback Tua Tagovailoa will compete for the starting position. The former Miami Dolphins quarterback joins the team as Michael Penix Jr. recovers from a torn ACL injury sustained in November.

Atlanta Falcons General Manager Ian Cunningham announced Friday that recently acquired quarterback Tua Tagovailoa will get the chance to battle for the team’s starting position, as Michael Penix Jr. continues his recovery from an ACL tear he sustained in November.

“For Tua coming in here, he knows he’s coming in to compete, just like Michael knows he’s coming in to compete. Quite frankly, not just those two at the quarterback position, but everybody’s coming in to compete,” Cunningham told reporters. “We’re excited to have Tua, but we’re excited to have all the players that we were able to get in this free agent class.”

According to Cunningham, the organization maintained open communication throughout the process, reaching out to Penix’s representative before finalizing Tagovailoa’s signing. New head coach Kevin Stefanski also had direct conversations with the young quarterback about the situation.

“You don’t want to blindside somebody,” Cunningham said. “We want to have open conversations and communication, and we feel like we did that in regards to Michael and Tua.”

The Falcons selected Penix in the 2024 draft, and he recorded 1,982 passing yards along with nine touchdown passes and three interceptions before his season ended with the ACL injury in November. Kirk Cousins took over at that point but was released by the team earlier this week.

Medical expectations suggest Penix will remain out of action through the beginning of the 2026 season, potentially creating an early window for Tagovailoa to demonstrate his capabilities.

Tagovailoa’s departure from Miami concludes a six-year tenure marked by both highs and lows. Despite earning a four-year, $212.4 million contract extension after leading the NFL in passing yards during 2023, his final two seasons proved challenging. The quarterback sustained his fourth documented concussion, experienced declining performance, and was benched for the team’s final three games in 2025. Miami will still owe him $54 million in 2026 due to his contract structure.

During his final season with the Dolphins, Tagovailoa completed passes for 2,660 yards, 20 touchdowns, and 15 interceptions.