The Atlanta Falcons have a new quarterback on the roster, officially signing Tua Tagovailoa to a one-year contract Friday afternoon. The former top-five pick spent his first six NFL seasons with the Miami Dolphins but was released ahead of free agency.
Tagavailoa was a star during his college days at Alabama, and after a somewhat slow start in Miami, he thrived under former Dolphins head coach Mike McDaniel. In his fourth season, Tagovailoa passed for 4,624 yards, 29 touchdowns and 14 interceptions to make his first career Pro Bowl.
Advertisement
The 28-year-old was benched late in the 2025 season, but he’s hopeful that a fresh start will help get his career back on track.
“Based off of what happened last year, I knew I needed to play better, but I think this is a great opportunity to be able to come here and get a good reset,” Tagovailoa said in an interview with AtlantaFalcons.com. “I want to thank the Blank family. I want to thank Arthur (Blank). I want to thank Coach (Kevin) Stefanski. I want to thank the organization for allowing me this opportunity. I am excited.”
Tagovailoa has passed for 18,166 yards, 120 touchdowns and 59 interceptions over his six-year NFL career, leading the team to an overall record of 44-32.
The Falcons expect Tagovailoa to compete with Michael Penix Jr. for the starting job in Atlanta.
Advertisement
“For Tua coming in here, he knows he’s coming in to compete,” Falcons general manager Ian Cunningham told reporters on Friday morning. “Like Michael knows he’s coming in to compete.”
This article originally appeared on Falcons Wire: Falcons QB Tua Tagovailoa comments on signing in Atlanta