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The Atlanta Falcons have signed former Miami Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa, who will compete for the starting job with Michael Penix Jr. Falcons head coach Kevin Stefanski believes Tagovailoa’s ‘chip on his shoulder’ after being let go by the Dolphins is similar to Stefanski’s own experience of being fired by the Cleveland Browns. Stefanski is confident Tagovailoa is a ‘good fit’ in Atlanta and is excited to have him on the team.

Why it matters

Tagovailoa has shown promise in the NFL, leading the league in passing yards in 2023, but has also dealt with injuries and a down 2025 season. The Falcons are giving him a chance to compete for the starting role and prove he can be a successful NFL quarterback, which could revive his career.

The details

After being let go by the Miami Dolphins, Tua Tagovailoa will join the Atlanta Falcons and compete with Michael Penix Jr. for the starting quarterback job. Falcons head coach Kevin Stefanski sees similarities between himself and Tagovailoa, as both have faced adversity and want to prove doubters wrong. Stefanski was fired by the Cleveland Browns, while Tagovailoa has been doubted throughout his NFL career. Stefanski believes Tagovailoa’s ‘chip on his shoulder’ will serve him well in Atlanta, and the coach is confident the former Dolphins QB is a ‘good fit’ for the team.

Tagovailoa led the NFL in passing yards in 2023 with 4,624 yards, 29 touchdowns, and 14 interceptions.Tagovailoa had a regressed 2025 season with the Dolphins.

The players

Tua Tagovailoa

A former starting quarterback for the Miami Dolphins who is now joining the Atlanta Falcons to compete for the starting job.

Kevin Stefanski

The head coach of the Atlanta Falcons, who was previously fired by the Cleveland Browns and sees similarities between his own experience and Tagovailoa’s.

Michael Penix Jr.

The other quarterback on the Falcons’ roster who will compete with Tagovailoa for the starting job.

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What they’re saying

“There’s something to be said when you’re fired. I can attest to that. You want to prove people wrong. You have a chip on your shoulder. I think where I’m coming into this, where Tua’s coming into this is, listen, this is not exactly how you thought it would go, but guess what, that’s the reality, and how are we gonna respond?”

— Kevin Stefanski, Head Coach, Atlanta Falcons

“I think the football fit, the personal fit, I think he’s looking for a place where he can go and compete for a starting job, and that’s what we are offering to him. He wants to do what’s best for this football team. We’re excited to have him.”

— Kevin Stefanski, Head Coach, Atlanta Falcons

What’s next

The Falcons will hold a quarterback competition during training camp and the preseason to determine their Week 1 starter between Tua Tagovailoa and Michael Penix Jr.

The takeaway

This move gives Tua Tagovailoa a fresh start and a chance to prove himself as an NFL starting quarterback after being let go by the Dolphins. The similarities between Tagovailoa and Falcons head coach Kevin Stefanski’s experiences of facing adversity and wanting to prove doubters wrong could help the quarterback find success in Atlanta.