The Atlanta Falcons have created an open quarterback competition following their decision to release veteran quarterback Kirk Cousins. With the veteran gone, the team will now evaluate two main options under center: Michael Penix Jr. and newly acquired quarterback Tua Tagovailoa.
Penix was already expected to take on a larger role with the team under new head coach Kevin Stefanski. However, the Falcons added Tagovailoa after his departure from the Miami Dolphins, giving the coaching staff another experienced option to help stabilize an offense that struggled with consistency last season.
General manager Ian Cunningham clarified that neither quarterback currently holds the starting job. According to Cunningham, Tagovailoa understands that he is joining the team to compete, just as Penix does. He emphasized that competition will exist across the entire roster, not just at quarterback, and that no starting roles have been guaranteed at this stage.
Tagovailoa arrives in Atlanta after the Dolphins released him with a post-June 1 designation, ending a six-season stint with the franchise. Miami originally selected the former Alabama Crimson Tide football star with the fifth overall pick in the 2020 NFL Draft. During his time with the Dolphins, Tagovailoa compiled a 44–32 record as a starter and reached a major milestone in 2023 when he led the NFL in passing yards.
Despite those achievements, his final season in Miami proved disappointing. Tagovailoa was benched for the final three games of the year after throwing a league-high 15 interceptions while producing 20 touchdown passes. His struggles were also reflected in his efficiency metrics, as he finished 30th in quarterback rating. Additionally, his performances against stronger competition raised concerns, as he managed only three wins in his last 15 starts against teams with winning records. In seven of those games, Miami’s offense failed to score more than 17 points.
Following that underwhelming season, the Dolphins’ new leadership — head coach Jeff Hafley and general manager Jon‑Eric Sullivan — decided to move on from Tagovailoa. The 28-year-old now gets an opportunity to restart his career in Atlanta, where he will compete with Penix for the starting role ahead of the 2026 season.
Penix, who was selected eighth overall in the 2024 NFL Draft, also endured a challenging 2025 campaign. His season ended early after suffering a partially torn ACL that required reconstructive surgery. Across his Falcons career so far, Penix has started 12 games, completing 59.6 percent of his passes for 2,757 yards with 12 touchdowns and six interceptions.
Heading into the upcoming season, both quarterbacks will be evaluated during training camp as they battle for the starting job. Their similar playing styles could help the coaching staff maintain continuity in the offensive scheme. Notably, both Penix and Tagovailoa are left-handed passers, meaning receivers will see the same type of ball spin regardless of which quarterback is on the field, allowing the playbook to remain consistent.
The Falcons’ offseason activity has extended far beyond the quarterback position. The front office has taken an aggressive approach in free agency, adding several players in an effort to strengthen depth across the roster.
Among the additions are wide receivers Jahan Dotson and Olamide Zaccheaus, tight end Austin Hooper, edge rushers Azeez Ojulari and Cameron Thomas, offensive lineman Corey Levin, defensive lineman Chris Williams, linebackers Christian Harris and Channing Tindall, kicker Nick Folk, and punter Jake Bailey.
Cunningham expressed satisfaction with the work the organization has done during the early stages of free agency. He explained that the team’s strategy focused on strengthening the overall baseline of the roster by bringing in experienced players who can either start or provide reliable depth when needed.
- With these moves, Atlanta hopes to build a more balanced and competitive roster for the 2026 campaign. The Falcons now enter the season with renewed optimism, a reshaped lineup, and a compelling quarterback competition between Penix and Tagovailoa. Under Stefanski’s leadership, the organization aims to finally establish the stability and consistency it has been searching for at the quarterback position.