PHOENIX — When the Miami Dolphins opted to release quarterback Tua Tagovailoa weeks ago, it was the Atlanta Falcons who stepped forward to provide him his next landing spot.

New Falcons coach Kevin Stefanski detailed the Falcons’ decision to bring in the ex-Dolphins passer two years after Atlanta’s previous regime drafted quarterback Michael Penix Jr. in the first round.

“I think he was looking for an opportunity, and we can provide that opportunity,” Stefanski said Monday morning at the NFL’s annual meeting at the Arizona Biltmore.

“The fit comes in a bunch of different ways. I think it was a culture fit, a personal fit, and it’s a scheme fit. He’s had success in this league doing a bunch of things that we believe in.”

Tagovailoa, like Penix, is a left-handed thrower. Stefanski said that did not factor into the decision.

But the Falcons are again set to have competition at quarterback after they infamously drafted Penix shortly after acquiring veteran quarterback Kirk Cousins on a lucrative contract in 2024.

“The plan has always been to create competition across our roster,” Stefanski said. “That’s something that (Falcons general manager) Ian (Cunningham) believes in, I believe in, (president and former quarterback) Matt (Ryan) believes in. That only makes all of us better at every position.”

Tagovailoa goes to Atlanta looking to redeem himself after the Dolphins’ No. 5 pick in the 2020 draft had his tenure in Miami go sideways last season with 15 interceptions. Stefanski can relate, as he landed with the Falcons after being fired by the Cleveland Browns.

“I just think all of us — players, coaches — we’ve been through some interesting moments in this league,” Stefanski said. “And the fun part is to see how you respond to those things. Obviously, for Tua, it’s a new opportunity. For me, it’s a new opportunity. You get to put your best foot forward.”

In his first media session with Falcons reporters, Tagovailoa admitted his play in 2025 with Miami wasn’t up to his standard. He also seemed to rip the franchise with a cryptic answer about “unique” circumstances he was under with the Dolphins, although he didn’t expand.

Tagovailoa played six seasons with the Dolphins. He is the franchise’s career leader in passer rating (96.4) and completion percentage (68) among quarterbacks with at least 200 attempts. He is fourth in passing yards (18,166) and touchdowns (120), behind Dan Marino, Bob Griese and Ryan Tannehill in both categories.