Falcons Sign Tagovailoa, Setting Up QB Showdown with Penix

Tua Tagovailoa said Tuesday he is prepared to compete for Atlanta’s starting quarterback job after signing with the Falcons. The 28-year-old arrives following his release by the Miami Dolphins earlier this month, setting up a direct contest with Michael Penix Jr.

Tagovailoa described the situation as an opportunity and said he welcomes a competitive environment. He also said he is willing to help Penix Jr. as a mentor while both pursue the top role.

Contract terms and what changed

Atlanta signed Tagovailoa to a one-year deal at the veteran minimum, valued at $1.3 million. His move to the Falcons follows Miami’s decision to part ways, a transaction that left the Dolphins with a record $99.2 million in dead cap charges tied to his departure.

Tagovailoa acknowledged his 2024 season did not meet his own expectations. He pointed to a career-high 15 interceptions as part of that assessment, framing the Falcons stint as a chance to reset and compete.

Health status and the depth-chart picture

Tagovailoa has a history that includes concussions and other injuries, but he said he has cleared the health requirements set by Atlanta. He added that physical adversity is part of the sport while expressing confidence in his current condition.

Penix Jr., drafted eighth overall in 2024, is working back from a torn left ACL suffered in Week 11. Tagovailoa’s arrival adds an experienced option as Penix Jr. recovers, though the team has not announced how it will sequence reps or make a final decision.

More competition enters the room

The quarterback mix may be getting even tighter. The Falcons were also reported to have signed free-agent quarterback Trevor Siemian on Tuesday, a move that would further crowd the competition for roster spots and playing time.

Tagovailoa’s recent track record includes a high-water mark in 2023, when he led the NFL with 4,624 passing yards and threw 29 touchdown passes while appearing in all 18 games for Miami. That production provides context for why Atlanta would view him as a credible challenger, even after a down year by his own description.