Major news has emerged in the NFL world, with the Atlanta Falcons making a significant move to strengthen their quarterback position. According to reports, former Miami Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa is set to sign a one-year deal with the Falcons.
According to sources, this decision comes after the Dolphins decided to release Tua Tagovailoa. This move ended his six-year association with Miami. Now, it’s believed he could have a chance to start his career anew in Atlanta.
Falcons to have two left-handed quarterbacks
If this deal goes through, the Falcons will have two left-handed quarterbacks in the 2026 season. Michael Penix Jr., who already plays the same role, is also on the team.
Penix was the team’s primary quarterback last season but suffered a serious knee injury during the season. According to reports, he suffered an ACL injury, which has created uncertainty about his return. However, Penix expressed confidence that he could be fully fit by the first game of next season.
Search for a Quarterback in the Offseason
The Atlanta Falcons were searching for a new quarterback this offseason. A major reason for this was the potential release of veteran Kirk Cousins.
Cousins played some good games for the team at the end of last season, leading the Falcons to four consecutive wins and an 8-9 record. Despite this, team management began considering new options with an eye on the future.
In this context, the arrival of Tua Tagovailoa is considered an interesting and strategic decision for the team.
A Costly Decision for the Miami Dolphins
Releasing Tua Tagovailoa is likely to prove very costly for the Miami Dolphins. According to reports, this decision will result in a dead money cap hit of approximately $99.2 million, believed to be the largest in NFL history.
However, the team has opted for a post-June 1 release option to spread this amount over two years. This would result in a cap hit of approximately $67.4 million in 2026 and approximately $31.8 million in 2027.
This decision comes just one year after the contract Tua signed in 2024, which was the largest in franchise history.
Tua Tagovailoa’s Journey to Miami
Tua Tagovailoa was selected fifth overall by the Miami Dolphins in the 2020 NFL Draft. He previously played college football for the Alabama Crimson Tide.
In 2021, he became the team’s full-time starting quarterback and that season, he amassed 2,653 passing yards and 16 touchdowns. The 2022 season proved to be a major turning point in his career, as he delivered a stellar performance with 3,548 yards and 25 touchdowns.
However, he missed some games that season due to a head injury, raising questions about his fitness.
Outstanding Performance and Record
The 2023 season was a special one for Tua Tagovailoa. He amassed the most passing yards in the league—4,624—and threw 29 touchdown passes. He played in every game that season and led the team to the playoffs.
Impressed by his performance, the Dolphins signed him to a massive four-year, $212.4 million contract, making him the highest-paid player in franchise history.
Injuries and Unstable Performance
Although the next few seasons were not as stable for Tua. In 2024, he recorded an excellent completion percentage but missed several games due to injuries.
His performance during the 2025 season was consistently fluctuating. Finally, after he threw a career-high 15 interceptions, the team decided to bench him for the final three games.
This was the time when questions began to arise about his future in Miami.
Hoping for a Fresh Start in Atlanta
A potential one-year contract with the Atlanta Falcons could be an opportunity for Tua Tagovailoa to get his career back on track.
A new team, a new coaching staff, and a different system could help him reinvent his game. Furthermore, the team recently hired a new coach and management, bringing new energy to the organization.
If Tua returns to his old form, this deal could prove extremely beneficial for the Falcons.
Conclusion
Player transfers and team changes often make big news in the NFL, but this potential move by Tua Tagovailoa is special because it could mark a turning point in his career.
After six years in Miami, a fresh start in Atlanta could open up new possibilities for him. The upcoming season will determine how successful this decision proves to be for both him and the Falcons.
FAQs
Q. Why did Tua Tagovailoa leave the Miami Dolphins?
A. The Dolphins decided to release him after an inconsistent 2025 season.
Q. Which team is Tua Tagovailoa expected to join?
A. He is expected to sign a one-year deal with the Atlanta Falcons.
Q. Who are the Falcons’ other quarterbacks?
A. The Falcons also have Michael Penix Jr. and previously had Kirk Cousins.
Q. How long did Tua Tagovailoa play for the Dolphins?
A. He played six seasons with the Miami Dolphins.
Q. What was Tua Tagovailoa’s biggest NFL achievement?
A. He led the NFL in passing yards in the 2023 season.
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