Atlanta Falcons sign Tua Tagovailoa to compete for quarterback role
The Atlanta Falcons have signed former Miami Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa on a one-year deal to compete with Michael Penix Jr for the starting role.
New general manager Ian Cunningham confirmed on Friday that the 28-year-old is undergoing a medical at the team’s training facility in Flowery Branch, Georgia.
Cunningham insisted the starting spot is entirely up for grabs despite the presence of last year’s first-round draft pick.
“For Tua coming in here, he knows he’s coming in to compete.”
Ian Cunningham, Atlanta Falcons general manager
A new regime brings a change of plan
Penix is currently recovering from surgery to repair a torn ACL suffered last November.
While the 25-year-old hopes to be ready for the opening week of the season, typical recovery times suggest his availability remains uncertain.
The previous coaching staff had firmly committed to the recovering passer as their undisputed starter once fully fit.
However, a completely overhauled management group has refused to make the same guarantee following a second consecutive 8-9 campaign.
Atlanta recently hired Kevin Stefanski as head coach and appointed former franchise star Matt Ryan as president of football.
Low-risk move for an experienced passer
The Hawaiian-born signal-caller arrives on a modest $1.3m (£1m) contract.
His departure cost his former Florida-based employers a massive $67.4m in dead salary cap space.
Despite struggling with concussions and throwing 15 interceptions last season, the former Pro Bowler was the NFL’s completion percentage leader in 2024.
Eager to avoid repeating the chaotic handling of Kirk Cousins’ arrival last year, Cunningham stressed that open communication took place before signing a new rival.
“You don’t want to blindside somebody, and that’s just how we operate. We want to have open conversations and communication, and I feel like we did that in regards to Michael and Tua.”
The veteran brings significant experience with 120 career touchdown passes.
His arrival offers vital insurance if the highly-rated younger prospect suffers any setbacks in his rehabilitation.
