Andrew Buller-Russ
Sometimes, where there’s smoke, there’s fire. Rumors leading up to the first day of NFL free agency hinted at the Atlanta Falcons “making a push” to sign a Pro Bowl quarterback. With Michael Penix Jr. tearing his ACL on Nov. 16, the 2024 first-round pick may not be ready for the start of the season. Atlanta already parted ways with Kirk Cousins, which meant they needed another capable arm.
On the first day of free agency, the Falcons found their guy.
According to NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport, the Falcons are signing one-time Pro Bowl quarterback Tua Tagovailoa to a one-year contract. There are no reports on the financial aspects of Tagovailoa’s contract, but he is expected to ink one for the veteran minimum of $1.3 million. It’s an incredible bargain for a player who has proven capable of playing at an elite level.
Tagovailoa joins an interesting QB room with two-time NFL Coach of the Year Kevin Stefanski leading the way. Yet, now he’ll have to rebuild his value on a one-year prove-it deal after throwing a career-high 15 interceptions last season.
Nevertheless, Tagovailoa’s getting a good opportunity in Atlanta, where he’ll likely get a chance to play in an offense that features superstar Bijan Robinson, Drake London, and possibly Kyle Pitts too. Plus, like Penix, he’s a left-handed QB too, which should make the transition a smoother experience for Atlanta’s pass-catchers as Penix recovers from ACL surgery.
Related: 2026 NFL Mock Draft: Round 1 Projections Before NFL Free Agency
