Trending Now - Tua Tagovailoa Joins Falcons, Ready to Compete for QB Spot
WHO:
Tua Tagovailoa, quarterback, signed by the Atlanta Falcons
Ian Cunningham, Atlanta Falcons general manager
Kevin Stefanski, head coach of the Atlanta Falcons
Kirk Cousins, released quarterback for the Atlanta Falcons
Atlanta Falcons general manager Ian Cunningham
Tua Tagovailoa, quarterback
Michael Penix Jr., quarterback
Kevin Stefanski, head coach of the Atlanta Falcons
Matt Ryan, president of football for the Atlanta Falcons
Kirk Cousins, former quarterback for the Atlanta Falcons
Miami Dolphins, Tagovailoa's previous team
WHAT:
Tagovailoa was officially signed by the Atlanta Falcons on March 13th, 2026.
Tagovailoa expressed gratitude, stating, "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 completed 68% of his passes for 18,166 yards with 120 touchdown passes and 59 interceptions in his six-year career.
The Atlanta Falcons signed Tua Tagovailoa to a one-year, $1.3 million contract.
Tagovailoa is competing with Michael Penix Jr. for the starting quarterback position.
Penix is recovering from left ACL surgery performed in November 2025.
The Falcons fired head coach Raheem Morris and general manager Terry Fontenot after the 2025 season.
The Falcons had a record of 8-9 for two consecutive seasons (2024 and 2025).
Tagovailoa has a career record of 44-32 as a starting quarterback.
Tagovailoa led the league in passer rating, yards per attempt, and touchdown percentage in 2022.
Tagovailoa led the league with 4,624 passing yards in 2023.
WHERE:
Flowery Branch, Georgia, where the Falcons' facilities are located.
WHEN:
The NFL's new league year began on March 11th, 2026, at 4 p.m.
The signing of Tagovailoa was reported on March 13th, 2026.
Penix underwent ACL surgery in November 2025.
The Falcons fired their previous head coach and general manager after the 2025 season.
WHY:
The Falcons are looking to add depth to their quarterback position after releasing Kirk Cousins and with Michael Penix Jr. recovering from an ACL injury.
The Falcons are looking to improve their quarterback position and overall team performance after two consecutive losing seasons.
HOW:
Cunningham stated, "We want to have open conversations and communication. I feel like we did that in regards to Michael and Tua."
Cunningham stated that open conversations were held with Penix and his agent regarding the signing of Tagovailoa.
(UPDATED March 13, 2026 21:08 UTC)
In a significant move for the Atlanta Falcons, quarterback Tua Tagovailoa was officially signed today, March 13, 2026, following the release of Kirk Cousins. Tagovailoa expressed his gratitude to the Falcons' organization, saying he is excited for this new opportunity, while his impressive career stats include a completion rate of 68% with over 18,000 passing yards and 120 touchdowns. General Manager Ian Cunningham emphasized the importance of open communication in their decision-making process, especially regarding both Tagovailoa and Michael Penix Jr., who is currently recovering from an ACL injury.
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(UPDATED March 13, 2026 19:21 UTC)
The Atlanta Falcons have signed quarterback Tua Tagovailoa to a one-year contract worth $1.3 million as they look to improve their performance after two consecutive losing seasons. Tagovailoa will compete with Michael Penix Jr., who is currently recovering from left ACL surgery, for the starting quarterback position. This signing comes after the Falcons fired head coach Raheem Morris and general manager Terry Fontenot following a disappointing record of 8-9 in both the 2024 and 2025 seasons.