Tua Tagovailoa is set to sign a one-year deal with the Atlanta Falcons hours after his release was announced from the Miami Dolphins.
The Miami Dolphins announced early on Monday that quarterback Tua Tagovailoa would be released at the start of the league year, which will result in a record dead cap hit of $99.2 million.
With his release and the fact that the Dolphins are on the hook for $54 million in guaranteed money, it was believed that Tagovailoa would sign a minimum deal with another team. That did not take long at all, as the Falcons are set to bring in the left quarterback on a one-year deal.
It makes sense that the Falcons were set to make a strong push for Tagovailoa, as Michael Penix is also a lefty. Both quarterbacks have similar traits, and there will presumably now be some stiff competition for Penix when the season rolls around.
Penix suffered a knee injury in 2025, leading to surgery to repair a partially torn ACL. While the usual case is that ACL injuries take around a year or longer to return from, the significance of the injury might lead the passer to return sooner than expected.
If Penix is ready to go by Week 1, he and Tagovailoa will battle it out for the starting position in training camp and preseason.
Tagovailoa had some struggles in 2025, posting 2,660 yards, 20 touchdowns, and 15 interceptions. He led the league in interceptions at one point in the season.
Regardless, Tagovailoa has also led the league in passer rating, passing yards, and completion percentage in his career.
The Falcons are now injecting competition into their quarterback room in a big way. If Penix cannot play up to par, the team can lean on Tagovailoa to start.
Conversely, Tagovailoa's arrival can also lead to Penix being pushed to evolve his craft in a big way.
Tagovailoa is likely to receive a minimum deal, but the details of his contract have yet to be released. The Falcons likely did not have to offer a massive contract, as it is a one-year look for the former Dolphins signal caller.
Tagovailoa was likely offered the chance to start, which may not have been the case for other teams potentially seeking to sign the former first-round pick.
It will be interesting to see who will be under center for the Falcons in 2026, but it would not be the least bit shocking if Tagovailoa rebounds his career in a big way in Atlanta.