Analyst Predicts Falcons Could Reach Playoffs With Tua Tagovailoa

NFL.com's Jeffri Chadiha believes Tua could revive his career in Atlanta.

Mar. 26, 2026 at 10:07pm

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The Atlanta Falcons have signed former Miami Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa to a one-year deal, giving him a chance to compete with Michael Penix Jr. for the starting job. NFL.com analyst Jeffri Chadiha believes that if Tua can return to his 2022-23 form, the Falcons could make the playoffs, citing their talented offensive weapons like Bijan Robinson, Drake London, and Kyle Pitts.

Why it matters

The Falcons are hoping Tua can revive his NFL career after being benched in Miami. If he succeeds, it would give the Falcons a proven veteran quarterback to lead them to the playoffs, which would be a major turnaround for the franchise.

The details

Tua Tagovailoa, the former first-round pick of the Miami Dolphins, signed a one-year deal with the Atlanta Falcons to compete with Michael Penix Jr. for the starting quarterback job. Analyst Jeffri Chadiha believes that if Tua can return to the form he showed in 2022 and 2023, the Falcons have the offensive talent to reach the playoffs, citing their trio of Bijan Robinson, Drake London, and Kyle Pitts.

  • Tua Tagovailoa signed with the Falcons in March 2026.

The players

Tua Tagovailoa

A former first-round pick of the Miami Dolphins who is looking to revive his NFL career with the Atlanta Falcons.

Michael Penix Jr.

The Falcons' current starting quarterback who will compete with Tua Tagovailoa for the starting job.

Bijan Robinson

A talented running back for the Atlanta Falcons who is part of their offensive weapons.

Drake London

A wide receiver for the Atlanta Falcons who is part of their offensive weapons.

Kyle Pitts

A tight end for the Atlanta Falcons who is part of their offensive weapons.

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What they’re saying

“Tagovailoa's decision to join the Falcons on a one-year deal means Atlanta is hoping a proven veteran -- albeit one who was benched during his final season in Miami and has battled his own history of injuries -- can finally get this team over the hump.”

— Jeffri Chadiha, NFL.com Analyst

“If Tagovailoa becomes the starter and returns to the form he showcased during his best years in 2022 and 2023, there's every reason to believe the Falcons can reach the playoffs.”

— Jeffri Chadiha, NFL.com Analyst

What’s next

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The takeaway

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