Tua Tagovailoa to Compete for Falcons' Starting QB Job

Newly signed QB will battle Michael Penix Jr. for top spot as Falcons rebuild roster

Mar. 17, 2026 at 1:24am

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The Atlanta Falcons have signed former Miami Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa, who will have an opportunity to compete for the starting job against Michael Penix Jr., who is recovering from a torn ACL. Falcons GM Ian Cunningham said both Tagovailoa and Penix will compete for the top QB spot, and the team had open conversations with Penix before signing Tagovailoa.

Why it matters

The Falcons are in rebuilding mode after parting ways with veteran QB Kirk Cousins. Tagovailoa and Penix will battle for the starting job, with Penix expected to miss the start of the season as he recovers from injury. This gives Tagovailoa a chance to prove himself early and potentially earn the starting role.

The details

Tagovailoa, who was released by the Dolphins this week, signed with the Falcons as a free agent. Penix, drafted by the Falcons in 2024, started 12 games last season before suffering a torn ACL in November. He is expected to be sidelined through the start of the 2026 season. Falcons GM Cunningham said he spoke with Penix's agent and new coach Kevin Stefanski talked to Penix directly before signing Tagovailoa to ensure open communication.

  • Penix suffered a torn ACL in November 2025.
  • Penix is expected to be sidelined through the start of the 2026 season.

The players

Tua Tagovailoa

Newly signed Falcons quarterback who was released by the Miami Dolphins this week.

Michael Penix Jr.

Falcons quarterback who is recovering from a torn ACL he suffered in November 2025.

Ian Cunningham

General manager of the Atlanta Falcons.

Kevin Stefanski

Head coach of the Atlanta Falcons.

Kirk Cousins

Veteran quarterback who was released by the Falcons this week.

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What they’re saying

“For Tua coming in here, he knows he's coming in to compete, just like Michael knows he's coming in to compete. Quite frankly, not just those two at the quarterback position, but everybody's coming in to compete.”

— Ian Cunningham, General Manager, Atlanta Falcons

“You don't want to blindside somebody. We want to have open conversations and communication, and we feel like we did that in regards to Michael and Tua.”

— Ian Cunningham, General Manager, Atlanta Falcons

“The big thing for me was going to a team where I feel like my talent will be on display, and my talent can be showcased. I 100% believe in my talent, my ability to make plays in this football league, it's just about getting the opportunity to do so.”

— Jahan Dotson

What’s next

The Falcons will monitor Penix's recovery progress throughout the offseason to determine if he will be ready for the start of the 2026 season. In the meantime, Tagovailoa and Penix will compete for the starting quarterback job during training camp and preseason.

The takeaway

The Falcons are rebuilding their roster and giving both Tua Tagovailoa and Michael Penix Jr. a chance to compete for the starting quarterback job. This opportunity could be a fresh start for Tagovailoa, who struggled with injuries and inconsistency in Miami, and allow Penix to solidify his role as the team's QB of the future once he recovers from his torn ACL.