That did not take long. The Miami Dolphins on Monday announced they would be releasing quarterback Tua Tagovailoa when the new league year begins on Wednesday. Just a few hours later, at it looks like the former Pro Bowl quarterback may already have a landing spot. According to multiple reports, including from NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero, the Atlanta Falcons are making a “strong early push” to bring in Tagovailoa.
Tagovailoa was the fifth-overall pick by the Dolphins in 2020. Since joining Miami,
he has been selected to one Pro Bowl and has had seasons in which he led the league in major passing categories. In 2023, he led the league in passing yards and in 2024, he had the league’s best passer rating.
However, injuries have cost him playing time throughout his career. Tagovailoa has only completed one full season, missing 23 games over his six seasons in the league.
Last year, the Dolphins benched Tagovailoa late in the season, moving to rookie Quinn Ewers as they began looking toward the future. Tagovailoa finished the season with with 2,660 yards, 20 touchdowns, 15 interceptions, and an 88.5 passer rating.
Bringing Tagovailoa to Atlanta could give the Falcons an insurance policy for third-year quarterback Michael Penix, Jr. The 2024 eighth-overall pick sustained a torn ACL last year and could need additional recovery time. Tagovailoa could also push Penix for the starting role if the younger quarterback does not perform up to his potential.
Penix and Tagovailoa are both left-handed quarterbacks, joined by the Cleveland Browns’ Dillon Gabriel, as the only lefties starting in the league last year.
