Tua Tagovailoa Joins Atlanta Falcons After Dolphins Release

Former Alabama star quarterback signs one-year deal with new NFL team

Published on Mar. 9, 2026

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Quarterback Tua Tagovailoa, who burst onto the national scene leading Alabama to a national championship in 2018, has agreed to a one-year contract with the Atlanta Falcons after being released by the Miami Dolphins. Tagovailoa spent the previous six seasons as the Dolphins' starting QB, but was benched for the final three games of the 2025 season. With a new GM and coach in Miami, the Dolphins decided to release Tagovailoa, even though it created salary cap issues. The Falcons are expected to release veteran QB Kirk Cousins, clearing the way for Tagovailoa to take over as the starter in Atlanta.

Why it matters

Tagovailoa was a highly touted prospect coming out of Alabama, but his NFL career with the Dolphins has been up-and-down. This move to Atlanta represents a fresh start for the young quarterback as he looks to regain his form and solidify himself as a long-term starter in the league. The Falcons are hoping Tagovailoa can help them improve on their 7-9 record from the 2025 season.

The details

Tagovailoa, who was selected 5th overall by the Dolphins in the 2020 NFL Draft, had spent the past six seasons as Miami's starting quarterback. However, he was benched for the final three games of the 2025 season. With a new GM and coach taking over the Dolphins, the team decided to release Tagovailoa, even though it created a significant salary cap hit. The Falcons, who started the 2025 season with 2024 first-round pick Michael Penix Jr. at QB before he suffered a season-ending injury, are expected to release veteran Kirk Cousins when the new league year begins. That will clear the way for Tagovailoa to take over as Atlanta's starting QB on a one-year, $1.215 million contract, with the remaining $52.785 million of his guaranteed salary being paid by the Dolphins.

  • On Monday, March 9, 2026, the Miami Dolphins announced they planned to release Tua Tagovailoa.
  • Tua Tagovailoa agreed to a one-year contract with the Atlanta Falcons on Monday, March 9, 2026.

The players

Tua Tagovailoa

A former Alabama quarterback who burst onto the national scene leading the Crimson Tide to a national championship in 2018. He spent the past six seasons as the starting QB for the Miami Dolphins before being released.

Michael Penix Jr.

The Atlanta Falcons' starting quarterback to begin the 2025 season, before suffering a season-ending knee injury.

Kirk Cousins

The veteran quarterback who completed the 2025 season as the Falcons' starter after Penix's injury. He is expected to be released by Atlanta when the new league year begins.

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What’s next

The Falcons are expected to release veteran quarterback Kirk Cousins when the NFL's 2026 business year begins on Wednesday, clearing the way for Tua Tagovailoa to take over as the team's starting QB.

The takeaway

This move represents a fresh start for Tua Tagovailoa, who was a highly touted prospect coming out of Alabama but has had an up-and-down NFL career so far with the Dolphins. The Falcons are hoping he can regain his form and solidify himself as their long-term starting quarterback as they look to improve on their 7-9 record from the 2025 season.