Tua Tagovailoa Signs One-Year Deal with Atlanta Falcons

Former Miami Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa is set to begin a new chapter in his NFL career, as he plans to sign a one-year contract with the Atlanta Falcons. This move comes after the Dolphins officially released him, a decision that had been anticipated for some time. The announcement was made by the Dolphins’ new general manager, Jon-Eric Sullivan, as the team shifts towards a new direction under head coach Jeff Hafley.

The Dolphins confirmed Tagovailoa’s release on March 15, 2026, allowing him to explore opportunities with other teams. Reports indicate that Tagovailoa will compete for the starting quarterback position with Michael Penix Jr., whom the Falcons selected eighth overall in the 2024 NFL Draft. Penix is recovering from a partially torn ACL sustained during the 2025 season.

“As I shared with Tua, I have great respect for the person and player he is,” Sullivan stated. “On behalf of the Miami Dolphins, I expressed our gratitude for his many contributions, both on the field and in the community, during his six seasons in Miami.”

The Dolphins have quickly moved to fill the void left by Tagovailoa, securing Malik Willis, who previously served as a backup to Jordan Love with the Green Bay Packers. This change marks a significant adjustment for Miami, which had high hopes for Tagovailoa following a $212.4 million contract extension signed at the beginning of the 2024 season.

In the last season with the Dolphins, Tagovailoa struggled, finishing with a record of 6-8 as the starting quarterback. He threw for 2,660 yards, achieving 20 touchdowns against 15 interceptions. The Dolphins ultimately failed to secure a playoff berth, a disappointing outcome for a team that had once shown promise.

The Atlanta Falcons are eager to return to the playoffs, having last made an appearance in 2017 and previously reaching the Super Bowl in 2016 under quarterback Matt Ryan. The team is hopeful that Tagovailoa can rejuvenate their offense as they aim to improve upon last season’s performance, where they finished with a 3-6 record.

As this new era begins for both Tagovailoa and the Falcons, the upcoming training camp will be critical in determining the team’s starting quarterback for the 2026 season. With a fresh start ahead, Tagovailoa looks to reclaim his status as a leading figure in the NFL.