Tua Tagovailoa
Archived — this story has rotated out of today’s deck. It is kept here in full.
The gist
The Atlanta Falcons named Tua Tagovailoa their Week 1 starting quarterback against the Steelers.
He beat out Michael Penix Jr. after Miami released him in March.
Background
Tagovailoa spent six seasons with the Miami Dolphins, who drafted him fifth overall in 2020 and later gave him a four-year extension averaging $53.1 million per season. After injuries and a benching late in 2025, Miami released him in March 2026, taking on a record $99.2 million dead-cap charge. He signed a one-year deal with Atlanta, where he competed with 2024 first-round pick Michael Penix Jr., who was still working back from a torn ACL suffered last November.
How it unfolded
- Mar 2026The Miami Dolphins released Tagovailoa, taking on a record $99.2 million dead-cap hit; he signed with the Falcons shortly after.
- Sep 7, 2026The Falcons announced Tagovailoa as their Week 1 starter against the Steelers, ending a months-long competition with Michael Penix Jr.
- Sep 10, 2026Tagovailoa said his second chance in Atlanta is 'a blessing,' ahead of his first start since Week 15 last season.
Who’s saying what
- Analysts
- NFL.com wrote that the decision 'doesn't come with the utmost confidence,' noting Tagovailoa struggled mightily in preseason action.
- Caution
- NBC Sports' Mike Florio reported a 'strong possibility' Tagovailoa will be cut if/when he is benched.
- Support
- Tagovailoa called the opportunity 'a blessing' and said he doesn't take it for granted.
Still unverified
Reports of a 'strong possibility' Tagovailoa will be cut if benched come from NBC Sports' Mike Florio and are not confirmed by the team. Contract figures differ across sources: ESPN and The Athletic cite a one-year deal around $1.2-1.3 million, while NBC Sports lists $1.21 million.