Tua Tagovailoa Joins Falcons, Vows to 'Rise Up'

The former Dolphins QB is eager to compete for the starting job in Atlanta.

Mar. 14, 2026 at 3:07am

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Quarterback Tua Tagovailoa has signed a one-year contract with the Atlanta Falcons after being released by the Miami Dolphins. In a video message to Falcons fans, Tagovailoa expressed his excitement to join the organization and compete for the starting role, saying "Rise up, baby." The Falcons drafted Michael Penix Jr. in 2024, who started last season but is recovering from a torn ACL. Tagovailoa's arrival provides insurance and competition at the quarterback position for Atlanta.

Why it matters

Tagovailoa's move to the Falcons represents a fresh start for the former 5th overall pick, who had an up-and-down tenure in Miami marked by injuries and inconsistent play. The Falcons are hoping Tagovailoa can regain his 2023 form, when he led the NFL in passing yards, and provide stability at the QB position as they look to improve on an 8-9 record from last season.

The details

The Dolphins released Tagovailoa on Wednesday, the start of the NFL's new league year. Tagovailoa then signed a one-year deal with the Falcons on Friday. Atlanta drafted Michael Penix Jr. in 2024, and he started last season before suffering a torn ACL in November. Penix's recovery timeline is uncertain, so Tagovailoa provides insurance and competition at QB for the Falcons.

  • Tua Tagovailoa was released by the Miami Dolphins on Wednesday, March 13, 2026.
  • Tagovailoa signed a one-year contract with the Atlanta Falcons on Friday, March 15, 2026.

The players

Tua Tagovailoa

A 25-year-old quarterback who was the 5th overall pick in the 2020 NFL Draft by the Miami Dolphins. He had an up-and-down tenure in Miami marked by injuries and inconsistent play before being released.

Michael Penix Jr.

The Falcons' starting quarterback in 2025 who was drafted 8th overall in 2024. He is recovering from a torn ACL suffered in late November.

Ian Cunningham

The general manager of the Atlanta Falcons.

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What they’re saying

“What's up, guys? Tua Tagovailoa here in the Falcons' facility. Just got done signing. Just wanted to say that I'm very excited. Me and my family are excited to be here and part of the organization. Rise up, baby.”

— Tua Tagovailoa (Atlanta Falcons)

“[Tua] knows he's coming in to compete. Like Michael [Penix Jr.] knows he's coming in to compete.”

— Ian Cunningham, Falcons General Manager (NFL Network)

What’s next

The Falcons will monitor Penix Jr.'s recovery from his ACL injury and determine if Tagovailoa or Penix Jr. will be the starting quarterback to begin the 2026 season.

The takeaway

Tua Tagovailoa's move to the Falcons represents a chance for the former 1st-round pick to revive his career after an up-and-down tenure in Miami. The competition with Michael Penix Jr. for the starting job in Atlanta will be a key storyline to watch as the Falcons look to improve on an 8-9 record in 2025.