Ahead of the 2024 NFL Draft, many analysts expected the Atlanta Falcons to improve on the pass-rusher with the eighth overall pick in the first round. Despite signing Kirk Cousins to a four-year, $180 million contract a month earlier, they surprised everyone by selecting quarterback Michael Penix Jr. instead.
After two seasons, 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. Penix, who turns 26 in May, still has two more years left on his rookie contract. He initially led the Falcons to a 4–8 record.
Now, as we approach the player transaction phase, the Falcons are being linked to another high-profile quarterback.
Recently, ESPN NFL insider Jeremy Fowler had the opportunity to travel to Indianapolis for the NFL Scouting Combine. In doing so, he raised several interesting points.
One thing Fowler reported was that an unnamed NFL head coach told him, unsolicited, "Be careful of Tua (Tagovailoa) in Atlanta."
The Falcons do not have many strong or specific coaching relationships with Tagovailoa. However, coach Kevin Stefanski hired Robert Prince as his wide receivers coach, and Prince spent the 2025 season in the same role with the Miami Dolphins.
Or maybe the Falcons are interested in the idea of bringing in a former Pro Bowl QB to compete and inspire Penix to maximize his potential. Stock is low on Tagovailoa, who signed a four-year, $212 million contract with the Dolphins through 2024. They've already guaranteed $54 million in 2026; The question is whether he will earn that money as a member of the Dolphins, Falcons or another team.
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