Andrew Buller-Russ
Leading up to the 2024 NFL Draft, many analysts expected the Atlanta Falcons to hone in on a pass-rusher with the eighth overall pick in the first round. They shocked everyone by selecting quarterback Michael Penix Jr. instead, despite signing Kirk Cousins to a four-year, $180 million contract a month prior.
Two seasons later, the Falcons have already decided to release Cousins, ending his Atlanta tenure with a 12-10 record. Meanwhile, Penix has yet to establish himself as a franchise QB. Set to turn 26 in May, Penix has two more years left on his rookie contract. He’s led the Falcons to a 4-8 record as a starter and is working his way back from a torn ACL.
Now, as we approach the player transaction stage, the Falcons are being linked to another high-profile quarterback.
Recently, ESPN NFL insider Jeremy Fowler had a chance to go to Indianapolis for the NFL Scouting Combine. While doing so, he picked up several interesting nuggets.
One item that Fowler reported was when an anonymous NFL head coach told him, unsolicited, “Watch out for Tua (Tagovailoa) in Atlanta.”
The Falcons don’t have many strong or specific coaching ties to Tagovailoa. However, coach Kevin Stefanski has hired Robert Prince to be his wide receivers coach, and Prince spent the 2025 season in the same role with the Miami Dolphins.
Or maybe the Falcons are just intrigued with the idea of bringing in a former Pro Bowl QB to compete with and push Penix to maximize his potential. Stock is low on Tagovailoa, who signed a four-year, $212 million contract with the Dolphins in 2024. He’s already guaranteed $54 million in 2026; the question is whether he’ll be earning that money as a member of the Dolphins, Falcons, or another team.
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