QB Tua Tagovailoa Signing 1-Year Deal with Falcons

Former Dolphins QB to join Atlanta after being released by Miami

Mar. 10, 2026 at 3:35am

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Quarterback Tua Tagovailoa, who was recently released by the Miami Dolphins, is set to sign a one-year contract with the Atlanta Falcons. Tagovailoa will join a Falcons team that is undergoing a leadership change, with former Falcons QB Matt Ryan now serving as the organization's president of football. The Dolphins' decision to release Tagovailoa will result in a record-setting $99.2 million in dead money against their salary cap.

Why it matters

Tagovailoa's move to the Falcons represents a fresh start for the former first-round draft pick, who struggled with injuries and inconsistency during his time in Miami. The Falcons are looking to bounce back after missing the playoffs for the eighth consecutive season, and Tagovailoa's addition could provide a boost to their offense.

The details

Tagovailoa was the second quarterback selected in the 2020 NFL Draft, going to the Dolphins with the fifth overall pick. He was chosen ahead of Justin Herbert, who has gone on to become one of the league's top young quarterbacks. Tagovailoa's tenure in Miami was marked by multiple concussions and other injuries, and he fell out of favor last season, with the team benching him in favor of rookie Quinn Ewers for the final three games.

  • Tagovailoa will be released by the Dolphins when the new NFL year begins on Wednesday, March 13, 2026.
  • Tagovailoa is expected to sign a one-year contract with the Falcons shortly after being released by the Dolphins.

The players

Tua Tagovailoa

A quarterback who was drafted fifth overall by the Miami Dolphins in 2020 and is now set to sign a one-year deal with the Atlanta Falcons.

Matt Ryan

The former Falcons quarterback who has been named the organization's president of football, overseeing the head coach and general manager.

Michael Penix Jr.

The Falcons' current starting quarterback, who is recovering from a knee injury suffered in Week 11 of the 2025 season.

Kirk Cousins

The veteran quarterback who is set to be released by the Falcons before the start of the new NFL year.

Quinn Ewers

The rookie quarterback who took over as the Dolphins' starter for the final three games of the 2025 season, replacing Tagovailoa.

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What they’re saying

“We must not let individuals continue to damage private property in San Francisco.”

— Robert Jenkins, San Francisco resident

“Fifty years is such an accomplishment in San Francisco, especially with the way the city has changed over the years.”

— Gordon Edgar, grocery employee

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

This case highlights growing concerns in the community about repeat offenders released on bail, raising questions about bail reform, public safety on SF streets, and if any special laws to govern autonomous vehicles in residential and commercial areas.