July 23, 2025; Miami Gardens, Florida, USA; Miami Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa (1) speaks with reporters during training camp at the Baptist Health Training Complex. Mandatory Credit: Sam Navarro-Imagn Images The Falcons have brought in Tua Tagovailoa to compete with Michael Penix Jr. for the starting quarterback role, Atlanta general manager Ian Cunningham confirmed Friday.
“Because Tua comes here, he knows he’s coming to compete,” Cunningham said during a virtual press conference, according to ESPN. “Just like Michael knows he’s coming to compete, honestly, not just the two guys at the quarterback position, he knows everyone is coming to compete.”
Tagovailoa agreed to a one-year, $1.3 million contract earlier this week after being released by the Miami Dolphins, who owe him $54 million guaranteed for 2026.
Tagovailoa, a 2020 first-round draft pick (No. 5 overall), the NFL’s leading passer and a 2023 Pro Bowl selection, compiled a 44-32 record in six seasons in Miami.
The Falcons learned from their previous mistakes by giving Penix a heads up about signing Tagovailoa. In 2024, Atlanta drafted Penix with the eighth overall pick, just weeks after signing fellow quarterback Kirk Cousins to a $100 million guaranteed contract. Cousins was confused and surprised by the draft selection and ultimately lost his job to Penix late in the 2024 campaign. Cousins was released this week.
“We don’t want to blindside anyone, that’s just how we operate,” said Cunningham, who was hired along with new head coach Kevin Stefanski and president of football Matt Ryan in January.
“We want open dialogue and communication, and I think we’ve done that when it comes to Michael and Tua.”
Fenix, a left-hander like Tagovailoa, is recovering from a ruptured anterior cruciate ligament in mid-November. He said he will be ready for the season opener.
Penix, 25, went 4-8 as a starter, completing 59.6% of his passes for 2,757 yards with 12 touchdowns and six interceptions.
Tagovailoa, 28, has completed 68.0 percent of his throws for 18,166 yards with 120 touchdowns and 59 interceptions.
–Field level media
