“Tua was a good fit for us,” the head coach said while speaking to NFL Network Insider Mike Garafolo. “I think the football fit, the personal fit, I think he’s looking for a place where he can go and compete for a starting job, and that’s what we are offering to him.

“I think he’s somebody that has always competed in career, look back at his time at Alabama, so him coming in, and he wants to do what’s best for this football team, we’re excited to have him.”

The internal competition currently centers around Michael Penix Jr., who is still recovering from a serious injury. Will Tua ultimately be Kevin Stefanski’s choice as the starter?

Tua aims to prove he’s still got it

Tua Tagovailoa’s final stretch in South Beach was far from productive. In fact, in the Miami Dolphins’ latest outings, the decision to bench him was a clear indication that his performance fell short of expectations.

His 15 interceptions in the last season undoubtedly carried more weight than his 20 touchdowns or 2,660 yards. Now, it’s time for the quarterback to redeem himself, start from scratch, and show the Atlanta Falcons why he was brought in.

When will Michael Penix Jr. return to the field?

Following his season-ending injury in November 2025, and his third career ACL surgery, Michael Penix Jr. is expected to be medically cleared by April 2026 and aims to return to the field at some point during training camp this summer.

His latest numbers with the 49ers fully back him up: 92 carries, 400 total yards, 2 touchdowns, and a 4.3 average. The Falcons’ running back group is starting to become one to fear in the NFC.

Tua believes he still has a lot to give in the NFL, and he’s ready to face the 15 interceptions from his last season in Miami. Now on the ground, he has more than intriguing options to break down opposing defenses.

Backfield led by Bijan

The Falcons’ backfield is set to be one of the most dynamic in the league, led by their undisputed star Bijan Robinson. Coming off a dominant 2025 season, Robinson carried the ball 287 times for 1,478 yards, averaging an elite 5.2 yards per carry and scoring 7 touchdowns.

Veteran Brian Robinson Jr. arrived from the 49ers with a one-year 2.5M deal, to provide a powerful one-two punch following the departure of Tyler Allgeier. Behind them, the depth chart is rounded out by promising young talent, including Nathan Carter and Carlos Washington Jr., both of whom will compete for carries and special teams roles to ensure Atlanta maintains its relentless rushing attack.

The importance of the running game for Stefanski

Kevin Stefanski is known for an offensive system that prioritizes a heavy rushing attack, a philosophy he refined in Cleveland by centering his unit around elite backs. For example, he maximized Nick Chubb’s abilities during his time with the Dawg Pound.

His strategy centers on a wide-zone blocking scheme that demands RBs with elite vision and the ability to make decisive cut-backs. By establishing a dominant ground game, he forces defenses to play close to the line, which perfectly sets up his signature play-action passing attack.

Atlanta looks to improve on 2025

To break their latest 8-9 streak and return to the playoffs, the Falcons have moved on from Raheem Morris to embrace Kevin Stefanski’s elite offensive vision. By pairing Tua Tagovailoa with a loaded roster, Atlanta aim to dominate the NFC South.

With Kyle Pitts coming off a 928-yard season, Drake London adding 919 yards and 7 TDs, the Falcons finally have the firepower to demolish any defense. In this way, they aim to make a big impact in the upcoming NFL season.

“I am no stranger to competition,” the quarterback said via Tori McElhaney. Tua also revealed a bold promise to Falcons fans: “I think the best football is still ahead of me.”

The Alabama product had a final season in South Florida where he alternated between starting games and coming off the bench. Ultimately, his NFL journey landed him in the NFC South, where he will look to repay the confidence placed in him by his new franchise.

A rough 2025 for Tua

In his final season with the Dolphins, Tua Tagovailoa posted a 6-8 record as a starter before his departure. He completed 260 of 384 passes for 2,660 yards, maintaining a 67.7% completion rate. While he threw 20 touchdowns, he also struggled with a career-high 15 interceptions and was sacked 30 times.

Falcons expand their QB room

In the past few hours, Kevin Stefanski added a new signal-caller to his roster. As insider Jeremy Fowler reported on X, the experienced Trevor Siemian is joining as a free agent.

Ahead of this offseason, and after Kirk Cousins entered free agency, Atlanta began its rebuilding process with only Michael Penix Jr. on its depth chart. That solitude quickly ended with the announcement of Tua Tagovailoa’s signing with Falcons and now complemented with the former Jets quarterback.

Falcons’ GM satisfied with offseason moves

Although the Falcons lost players of the caliber of Darnell Mooney, they managed to add more experience. In addition to Tua, names like WR Jahan Dotson and edge rusher Azeez Ojulari have also joined the roster.

Falcons general manager Ian Cunningham expressed satisfaction so far: “We really went into this free agency looking to elevate our floor. Adding depth pieces, but also players that have had starting experience that could start and that have shown that they’re able to start in this league.”

An exciting Draft ahead for Atlanta

Atlanta will face this event without first-round picks due to a trade made in the 2025 draft with the Rams for the 26th pick at that time, which was used to select James Pearce Jr. These are the moments when Falcons will make their selections:

• 2nd round: No. 48
• 3rd round: No. 79
• 4th round: No. 122
• 6th round: No. 215
• 7th round: No. 231

A few days ago, it was confirmed that Tua Tagovailoa would join the Atlanta Falcons following his release by the Dolphins. Fortunately for the NFC South club, they landed a veteran quarterback for very little money.

On Friday, it was confirmed that Tagovailoa signed a one-year, $1.215 million deal with the Falcons. This is the league minimum for this type of contract, and the Dolphins will have to absorb the rest of the guaranteed money.

Why are the Falcons paying $1.215 million to Tua Tagovailoa?

In the contract extension the Dolphins gave Tagovailoa in 2024, they structured it so that the quarterback had specific guaranteed money per season. Because the deal included offset language, Miami is still on the hook for his $54 million guaranteed salary in 2026.

Of that total, the $1.215 million paid by Atlanta will be deducted from Miami’s obligation, but the Dolphins still owe him the remaining $52.7 million. This was a financial hit the Dolphins accepted once they confirmed Tagovailoa would be released.

The one-year deal Tua signed with the Falcons will make him an unrestricted free agent in 2027. If he has a solid season—where he is expected to compete with Michael Penix Jr. for the starting role—he may earn more lucrative offers in the upcoming offseason.

Cunningham said, via the team’s website, “For Tua coming in here, he knows he’s coming in here to compete, like Michael knows he is coming in to compete, everybody quite frankly, not just those two at the quarterback position.”

He also revealed that no one is safe. “There are no starters right now,” Cunningham said. The Falcons GM said that, before bringing in Tagovailoa, they spoke to Penix to not blindside him.

Penix and Tua will be one of the more intriguing QB battles this offseason

Both are lefties, both have injuries to care about and have doubts over them. However, the Falcons are hoping that they sharpen each other and at least one evolves into the franchise quarterback this team clearly needs.

The fact is both have some flaws in his game. The fact is both still have upside, though the benefit of the doubt is not something any of these NFL two signal-callers have in abundance. It’s an intriguing thing and eyeballs will be on the Falcons until they give a final decision.

Tua and Penix both will have good weapons to work with

Having three first rounders as weapons is great for any quarterback. Drake London will be the wide receiver one, Kyle Pitts the tight end, and Bijan Robinson the running back. Not only are the three first rounders, but elite talents at their respective positions.

On Wednesday, the Dolphins officially moved on from the Tua era, absorbing an NFL-record dead cap hit to facilitate a change at the position. At the same time, the club introduced Malik Willis, who is ready to take over as the starting quarterback. The move reunites Willis with head coach Jeff Hafley and general manager Jon-Eric Sullivan, both of whom worked with him during his time in Green Bay.

While he acknowledges the pressure of replacing a long-time starter like Tagovailoa, Willis expressed his excitement for the opportunity to lead the offense and become the starter after so many years waiting for the opportunity.

“I don’t think I put a timeline on it,” Willis said on finally becoming the starting QB, via Omar Kelly of the Miami Herald. “It happened when I was prepared. I think when I came into the league I wasn’t prepared. That’s not a knock towards my coaches or myself, that’s just what it was coming from the system I came from. I’ve had a chance to learn the last four years since I’ve been in the league — been through four different offenses, seen a bunch of different defenses and think I’ve grown a lot. Grateful for the opportunity once again.”

Malik Willis faces a major challenge in Miami

The 2026 offseason has been a period of drastic change for the Dolphins. Beyond the quarterback swap, the team has also parted ways with veteran stars like Tyreek Hill and Bradley Chubb, signaling a deep rebuild focused on long-term cap health and a fresh offensive identity under offensive coordinator Bobby Slowik.

According to reports, Willis signed a three-year, $67.5 million contract with $45 million fully guaranteed. This investment proves that the new regime views him as more than just a bridge quarterback, despite his limited starting experience in the league so far.

Now, all eyes will be on how Willis adapts to the humid climate of South Florida and the high expectations of a fanbase desperate for postseason success. As the 2026 season approaches, the former third-round pick has his best chance yet to prove he belongs among the NFL’s elite starters and justify the Dolphins’ massive gamble.

The Falcons QB depth chart now have Michael Penix Jr. and Tua Tagovailoa. Both are left-handed and injury prone. So it’s a weird circumstance, given that they have the same skill set and throwing arm, yet they also have the same worrying condition of not being highly durable.

Now, it will remain to be seen if the Falcons decide to trade Penix, who was a first-round pick two years ago. The other option is to have an open battle for QB1 and let new head coach Kevin Stefanski determine who will get the starting job.

Penix vs Tagovailoa does give a deciding winner

While both struggled last year, and even got the same passer rating, Tua is just a more polished passer of the football. However, he might be more reckless too (as you can see below with the INTs numbers). Simply put, the upside is with Tua, as he is more accurate and experienced.

Penix doesn’t look like a QB to take a team into new heights. Tua might not be as highly regarded as he once was, but he is a Pro Bowler that has led the NFL in passer rating (2022), passing yards (2023), and completion percentage (2024). Penix hasn’t shown that level to his game.

Stefanski is once again having to settle with a QB

Stefanski has won the Coach of the Year award twice, but he has never been able to have a stable QB situation. First, he got the worst version of Baker Mayfield. Then, he’s been through the likes of Joe Flacco, Deshaun Watson, Dillon Gabriel, Shedeur Sanders. Now, he will have another QB battle between Penix and Tagovailoa.

The now former Green Bay Packers player, according to Marcel Louis-Jacques via his X account, agreed to a three-year contract worth $67.5 million, including $45 million guaranteed. In 2026, Willis is getting a $22.5M signing bonus as well as a $1.25M fully guaranteed salary.

In 2026, the Dolphins are set to pay Tagovailoa $55 million in total, a figure that became fully guaranteed in March 2025. Following the team’s official announcement of his release today, Miami will assume an NFL-record $99.2 million in dead cap.

By using a post-June 1 designation, the Dolphins will split this hit across two seasons, with $67.4 million counting against the 2026 salary cap. Willis, on the other hand, will have a $8.75M cap charge for Miami. Looking ahead, Tua will have to look for new horizons, while Willis will have to compete for his spot alongside Quinn Ewers.

Willis’ numbers with the Packers

During his tenure with the Green Bay Packers, Malik Willis revitalized his career by providing elite efficiency in relief of Jordan Love. Across 11 regular-season appearances between 2024 and 2025, he completed a remarkable 78.7% of his passes for 972 yards, 6 touchdowns, and zero interceptions, posting a career-best 134.6 passer rating in Green Bay.

His dual-threat capability remained a weapon as he added 261 rushing yards and 3 touchdowns on the ground. These standout performances, including a perfect 2-0 record as a starter in 2024, ultimately led to his three-year contract with the Dolphins signed this morning.

“Lefties unite? The #Falcons are making a strong early push to sign former #Dolphins QB Tua Tagovailoa, sources tell The Insiders,” Mike Garafolo revealed on X. “With Michael Penix recovering from a torn ACL, Atlanta is making a move for an economic contingency plan and competition at the position.”

If the former Dolphins quarterback ultimately lands in the NFC South to wear the Falcons colors, he would join the depth chart alongside Michael Penix Jr. and Easton Stick, especially now that Kirk Cousins has also become a free agent.

This position has been one of Atlanta’s Achilles’ heels, with injuries—many of them serious—taking a toll on the team during the tenure of then-HC Raheem Morris. Would Kevin Stefanski view adding Tua Tagovailoa favorably as they plan for the future?

What can Tua Tagovailoa bring to the Falcons?

If Tua Tagovailoa joins the Atlanta Falcons, he would provide a high-efficiency passing game built on timing and rhythm, which could maximize weapons like Bijan Robinson and Drake London.

Coming off a career that includes over 18,100 passing yards and 120 touchdowns, his presence would offer a veteran upgrade for an offense that has struggled for consistency.

Notably, his ability to distribute the ball quickly is reflected in his career 68% completion rate, and the Falcons already saw his ceiling firsthand last season when he threw for 4 touchdowns and no interceptions against them in a 34-10 victory.

Tagovailoa took to his official account on Instagram to say goodbye to the place that first opened the door for him as a professional in the NFL, thanking each and every person who supported him throughout his journey in Miami.

“To the Miami Dolphins organization, my teammates, the front office and the incredible fans – Thank you for six unforgettable years. From the moment I arrived, you believed in me, supported me, and embraced my family as your own. I was able to marry my wife and welcome both my kids to this world. I was able to fortunately allow them to experience life from one I never got to growing up. Wearing this jersey and representing this city has been one of the greatest joys of my life,” Tagovailoa wrote.

“…To the fans — your energy, loyalty, and passion meant everything. You lifted me up in the biggest moments and stood by me through the challenging ones. From my first start I had, to the first touchdown I threw I’m grateful for all of it. My family and I felt your love every step of the way. I also carry deep regret that I couldn’t get the job done and bring a championship home to this city. Miami deserves that, and I’ll always wish I could have delivered it for you.”

He finally concluded: “…As I prepare for the next chapter, I move forward with gratitude, faith, and memories I’ll cherish for a lifetime. South Florida will always hold a special place in my heart.“

Tagovailoa’s time in South Florida

Tagovailoa was selected by the Dolphins with the 5th overall pick in the 2020 NFL Draft out of the University of Alabama. He played in 78 games, recording 18,166 passing yards, 120 touchdowns, and 59 interceptions with a career completion percentage of 68%.

Despite some early injury concerns, he managed to establish himself as the team’s franchise quarterback, leading the league in passer rating in 2022 and passing yards in 2023.

Where could Tua play next season?

As the NFL landscape shifts, several intriguing landing spots could emerge for Tagovailoa. He might find a home with the New York Jets if they seek a fresh offensive identity, or potentially join the Minnesota Vikings as J.J. McCarthy’s future looks uncertain.

Additionally, the Arizona Cardinals could be a potential landing spot since they are releasing Kyler Murray. The Los Angeles Rams have also been mentioned as a team to watch, though Tua would have to accept being a backup there with Matthew Stafford still leading the offense.

In a formal statement released Monday, the Dolphins confirmed the decision. “I recently informed Tua and his representation that we are going to move in a different direction at the quarterback position and will be releasing him after the start of the new league year,” Dolphins GM Jon-Eric Sullivan said.

The move, while stunning in its financial magnitude, follows months of speculation regarding Tagovailoa’s future after he was benched for the final three games of the 2025 season.

As the Dolphins begin the search for their next franchise signal-caller, the NFL world now turns its attention to Tagovailoa’s next chapter, with several quarterback-needy teams expected to inquire about the 28-year-old’s services once he officially hits the open market. Also, he showed gratitude to Dolphins with a heartfelt farewell message.

How much money do the Dolphins owe Tagovailoa?

By designating Tagovailoa as a post-June 1 cut, the Dolphins will spread a staggering $99.2 million in dead money over the next two seasons. Miami remains on the hook for Tagovailoa’s $54 million fully guaranteed salary for 2026, though that figure is subject to offsets from any league-minimum deal he signs with a new suitor this spring, according to Pelissero.

According to NFL salary cap expert @Jason_OTC on X, Miami could split Tua’s dead money at either $67.4 million cap hit for 2026 and $31.8 million in 2027 or $55.4M in 2026 and $43.8M in 2027: “Depends on what they do with an option bonus. My understanding of the rule is they could exercise the option and still use the June 1.”

After failing to secure a deep postseason run during the Tagovailoa era, the Dolphins’ new regime appears ready to embrace a difficult “reset” year in hopes of building a more sustainable contender from the ground up.

Tagovailoa’s tenure in Miami by the numbers

While Tagovailoa provided flashes of brilliance—including a league-leading passing campaign in 2023—his overall body of work was ultimately deemed underwhelming by a front office and fan base that expected a more consistent championship ceiling. Here is a final look at the stats from the Tagovailoa era in South Florida:

• Games Played: 78
• Passing Yards: 18,166
• Passing Touchdowns: 120
• Interceptions: 59
• Completion Percentage: 68.0%
• Passer Rating: 96.4
• Record as Starter: 44–32