The Atlanta Falcons once again missed the playoffs during the 2025 NFL season. After that disappointing conclusion to another year, the team moved on from head coach Raheem Morris and hired Kevin Stefanski to replace him.
It’s clear that the Falcons want to do anything they can to get back to being an NFC contender. A lot of that hope will depend on the quarterback play they receive.
Last season, Atlanta saw second-year signal caller Michael Penix Jr. play in just nine games before going down with an injury. He threw for 1,982 yards, nine touchdowns, and three interceptions, while completing 60.1 percent of his passes.
Kirk Cousins stepped in with Penix out and threw for 1,721 yards, 10 touchdowns, and five interceptions. He completed 61.7 percent of his passes.
With the Falcons expected to part ways with Cousins this offseason, they could use another quarterback to compete with Penix and likely be his backup. That could lead to Atlanta being a potential landing spot for Tua Tagovailoa, who is being released by the Miami Dolphins.
Atlanta Falcons Linked to Potential Move for Tua Tagovailoa
Pro Football Talk’s Mike Florio has named the Falcons as being one of the best destinations for Tagovailoa following his release from the Dolphins. He also suggested the New York Jets and Minnesota Vikings.
“The Jets need a quarterback. He’s 8-0 all-time against them, with a passer rating of 101.0,” Florio wrote. “The Falcons need a quarterback, too. Tua torched them in Atlanta last season, with four touchdown passes in a 34-10 romp.”
Florio continued on, going more in depth about why Tagovailoa could be a fit in Atlanta.
“Look at Atlanta’s roster. Bijan Robinson. Drake London. Kyle Pitts Sr. The offensive line is good enough to buy Tua time. The defense has talent (the availability of James Pearce Jr. is currently up in the air). They finished in a three-way tie with the Panthers and Bucs last year, at 8-9. Put Tuta indoors for eight home games (the ninth will be played in Madrid) and two road games (New Orleans and Minnesota), and maybe he could thrive. (That said, there could be a few cold-weather games, since the Falcons will play in 2026 at Green Bay, Cleveland, Pittsburgh, and Washington.)”
Tagovailoa is coming off of a 2025 NFL season with Miami in which he played 14 games. He completed 67.7 percent of his passes for 2,660 yards, 20 touchdowns, and 15 interceptions.
Why the Falcons Could Offer Tua Tagovailoa A Fresh Start
Landing with the Falcons would not give Tagovailoa an obvious starting situation. However, he would be able to compete for playing time with Penix.
There are still some doubts about whether or not Penix will be the long-term answer in Atlanta. If Tagovailoa were to come in and beat out the young signal caller, he could very well force his way into a starting role.
Stefanski is an elite offensive coach. He would likely love the opportunity to work with Tagovailoa and help the former Alabama standout turn his NFL career around.
It’s possible that Tagovailoa will prioritize finding a destination where he can be the clear starter from day one. However, the Falcons would make a lot of sense as a place where he could compete and earn playing time in a stacked offense.
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