Falcons' Quarterback Carousel Continues to Spin

Atlanta's QB moves in recent years have been head-scratching, even for neutral observers.

Published on Mar. 10, 2026

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The Atlanta Falcons have made a series of puzzling quarterback moves over the past few years, signing Kirk Cousins to a lucrative deal, drafting Michael Penix Jr. shortly after, and now adding Tua Tagovailoa, who was recently released by the Miami Dolphins. This quarterback carousel has left Falcons fans bewildered and the rest of the NFL amused.

Why it matters

The Falcons' inability to settle on a long-term quarterback solution has been a source of frustration for the team's fanbase and a source of amusement for neutral observers. These moves raise questions about the team's decision-making process and the direction of the franchise.

The details

The Falcons first signed Kirk Cousins to a four-year, $180 million contract, only to draft Michael Penix Jr. with the 8th overall pick just two months later. Now, the team has signed Tua Tagovailoa, who was recently released by the Miami Dolphins, adding yet another quarterback to the mix. This sequence of moves has left many scratching their heads, as it's unclear which quarterback the Falcons view as their long-term solution.

  • In March 2026, the Falcons signed Kirk Cousins to a four-year, $180 million contract.
  • Just two months later, in May 2026, the Falcons drafted Michael Penix Jr. with the 8th overall pick.
  • In March 2028, the Falcons signed Tua Tagovailoa, who was recently released by the Miami Dolphins.

The players

Kirk Cousins

A veteran quarterback who the Falcons signed to a lucrative four-year contract in 2026.

Michael Penix Jr.

A quarterback drafted by the Falcons in the 1st round of the 2026 NFL Draft, just two months after the team signed Kirk Cousins.

Tua Tagovailoa

A former top-5 draft pick who was recently released by the Miami Dolphins and signed by the Falcons in 2028.

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What they’re saying

“Signing Kirk Cousins to draft Michael Penix Jr. to sign Tua Tagovailoa has to be one of the funniest NFL personnel sequences ever.”

— Brandon Warne (Twitter)

What’s next

It remains to be seen how the Falcons' quarterback situation will play out, but the team's fans will be hoping for more stability and consistency at the position moving forward.

The takeaway

The Falcons' recent quarterback moves have been a source of bewilderment for their fans and amusement for the rest of the NFL. The team's inability to settle on a long-term solution under center raises questions about the franchise's decision-making and direction, and the saga is likely to continue as they try to find the right QB to lead the team.