The NFL unofficially began free agency on Monday afternoon. The player can agree to a contract with a new team, but that deal cannot become official until Wednesday.
The Miami Dolphins notified quarterback Tua Tagovailoa of his release Monday morning. Soon after, the team agreed to terms for his replacement.
Tagovailoa didn’t have to wait long to find a new home. According to reports, the Atlanta Falcons quickly reached an agreement with the former Dolphins quarterback.
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Not only did the Falcons pull off one of the best deals of free agency, they did it with Dolphins money. Atlanta will reportedly only pay $1.3 million of Tagovailoa’s salary, while Miami will shoulder a whopping $52 million.
Similar to what the Pittsburgh Steelers did for Russell Wilson in 2024, the Falcons will pay Tagovailoa’s services equivalent to the veteran minimum. The Dolphins will receive a minimal offset and cover most of the 2025 salary.
Before signing with the Falcons, Tagovailoa shared a heartfelt message with Dolphins fans, thanking them for their support during his six seasons in Miami.
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Now he can also thank the Dolphins for funding the new start he welcomes. Tagovailoa will likely get a chance to compete for a starting spot with the Falcons.
Falcons third-year quarterback Michael Penix is recovering from a torn anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) suffered in 2025. His status for the 2026 season remains uncertain, which gives Tagovailoa an early advantage over the competition.
Whether Tagovailoa is Atlanta’s starter or backup in 2026, he will still receive the majority of his salary from the Dolphins. This is a very good deal for both the Falcons and Tua.
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(tagsTotranslation)Atlanta Falcons
