Former Falcons GM Weighs In on Falcons QB Situation

Terry Fontenot discusses Michael Penix Jr. and Tua Tagovailoa's futures in Atlanta

Mar. 12, 2026 at 3:34pm

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Former Atlanta Falcons general manager Terry Fontenot recently commented on the team's quarterback situation, offering his thoughts on Michael Penix Jr. and the Falcons' reported signing of Tua Tagovailoa. Fontenot acknowledged the Falcons' need to add to the QB room after moving on from Kirk Cousins, and believes the Tagovailoa signing makes business sense. However, Fontenot expressed confidence in Penix's ability to overcome adversity and compete for the starting job.

Why it matters

The Falcons' quarterback situation has been a point of contention, with the team drafting Penix in 2024 shortly after signing Cousins to a lucrative deal. Fontenot's comments provide insight into the team's thinking and the challenges facing both Penix and the potential newcomer Tagovailoa as they compete for the starting role.

The details

The Falcons moved on from general manager Terry Fontenot after the 2025 season, but questions remain about the quarterback he selected with the No. 8 pick in the 2024 NFL Draft, Michael Penix Jr. Fontenot drafted Penix just a month after the team signed Kirk Cousins to a four-year, $180 million contract, an unorthodox approach that ultimately cost Fontenot his job. The Falcons have since hired GM Ian Cunningham, whose first notable move was signing former Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa.

  • In 2024, the Falcons drafted Michael Penix Jr. with the No. 8 pick in the NFL Draft.
  • In 2025, the Falcons moved on from general manager Terry Fontenot.

The players

Terry Fontenot

The former general manager of the Atlanta Falcons, who drafted Michael Penix Jr. in 2024.

Michael Penix Jr.

The quarterback drafted by the Falcons in 2024, who now finds himself playing second-fiddle to a more experienced quarterback in Tua Tagovailoa.

Tua Tagovailoa

The former Miami Dolphins quarterback who has reportedly agreed to a one-year contract with the Falcons for the league minimum.

Kirk Cousins

The quarterback the Falcons signed to a four-year, $180 million contract in 2024, shortly before drafting Michael Penix Jr.

Ian Cunningham

The current general manager of the Atlanta Falcons, who signed Tua Tagovailoa as one of his first notable moves.

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What they’re saying

“The situation that they're in right now, they move on from Kirk Cousins, so now they need to add to the quarterback room. So, adding Tua, that's a good business decision, right? You've got Miami paying for him, you're paying just over $1 million on that contract, so it makes sense for them to get him in, take a look at him.”

— Terry Fontenot, Former Falcons GM (SiriusXM NFL Radio)

“I know the mindset of Mike is to focus on the rehab, do everything you can do to get healthy, and get back on the field to get back on the field so you can go and compete so you can help this team. He's had adversity through his whole career, particularly in college, and every time, that dude just comes back stronger. Definitely rooting for him in that situation.”

— Terry Fontenot, Former Falcons GM (SiriusXM NFL Radio)

What’s next

The Falcons haven't officially signed Tagovailoa yet, but he's believed to have agreed to terms on a one-year contract for the league minimum. The team hasn't stated which player will start in 2026, but most assume it will be an open competition between Penix and Tagovailoa.

The takeaway

The Falcons' quarterback situation remains uncertain, with the team bringing in Tua Tagovailoa to compete with Michael Penix Jr. for the starting job. Fontenot's comments suggest the team believes Tagovailoa is a low-risk, high-reward signing, but they remain committed to Penix and his ability to overcome adversity and compete for the starting role.