Falcons to Sign Dolphins QB Tua Tagovailoa to 1-Year Deal

The move comes after the Falcons announced plans to release veteran QB Kirk Cousins.

Published on Mar. 9, 2026

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The Atlanta Falcons are reportedly signing former Miami Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa to a one-year minimum deal after the Dolphins announced plans to release him. Tagovailoa, who signed a $212 million extension with Miami less than two years ago, will join Michael Penix in the Falcons' quarterback room.

Why it matters

The Falcons' decision to sign Tagovailoa comes after they announced plans to release veteran QB Kirk Cousins, who had a $67.9 million guarantee for 2027 that would have kicked in on March 13. Tagovailoa, a former first-round pick, will look to revive his career in Atlanta after struggling with injuries and inconsistency in Miami.

The details

The Dolphins are releasing Tagovailoa, 25, after he went 44-32 as their starter over the last five seasons. Tagovailoa dealt with multiple concussions and was a lightning rod for critics, despite completing 68.6% of his passes, which ranked second in the NFL over that span. The Dolphins will take on a record $99.2 million in dead money by releasing Tagovailoa.

  • The Dolphins announced plans to release Tagovailoa on Monday.
  • Tagovailoa's release will become official on Wednesday, the first day of the new NFL league year.

The players

Tua Tagovailoa

A 25-year-old quarterback who was released by the Miami Dolphins after going 44-32 as their starter over the last five seasons.

Kirk Cousins

The veteran quarterback who the Falcons announced plans to release, avoiding a $67.9 million guarantee for 2027.

Michael Penix

The Falcons' returning quarterback who is recovering from a torn ACL.

Jon-Eric Sullivan

The Dolphins' general manager who announced the team's decision to release Tagovailoa.

Jeff Hafley

The new Dolphins head coach, who previously coached Malik Willis in Green Bay.

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What they’re saying

“I recently informed Tua and his representation that we are going to move in a new direction at the quarterback position and will be releasing him after the start of the new league year.”

— Jon-Eric Sullivan, Dolphins General Manager (cbsnews.com)

“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. ... Wearing this jersey and representing this city has been one of the greatest joys of my life.”

— Tua Tagovailoa (cbsnews.com)

“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.”

— Tua Tagovailoa (cbsnews.com)

What’s next

The Falcons' signing of Tua Tagovailoa to a one-year deal is expected to be finalized on Wednesday, the first day of the new NFL league year.

The takeaway

Tua Tagovailoa's release by the Dolphins and subsequent signing with the Falcons represents a fresh start for the young quarterback, who struggled with injuries and inconsistency in Miami. The move also allows the Falcons to move on from veteran QB Kirk Cousins and build around Tagovailoa and Michael Penix as they look to improve their quarterback situation.