The Atlanta Falcons will have a new head coach next season. They may also have a new quarterback.
Michael Penix Jr., the eighth overall pick of the 2024 NFL Draft, is still recovering from a torn ACL he suffered on Nov. 16. He may not be ready for the start of the season.
Either way, the Falcons are making other plans at the QB position after recently moving on from Kirk Cousins, who is set for free agency again. With Cousins gone, the Falcons need more depth at the position, and new head coach Kevin Stefanski may also have a say in the matter.
According to NFL Network's Mike Garafolo, the Falcons are "making a push" to sign recently released Tua Tagovailoa.
The Dolphins are still paying Tagovailoa $54 million in 2026, so they are expected to sign the veteran for a minimum of $1.3 million. It's an incredible deal for him, whether he gets any starts or not.
Still, the Falcons can have confidence in Tagovailoa returning as a Pro Bowl QB under Coach Stefanski. At least, the 28-year-old brings 76 games of starting experience to Atlanta, where Penix has only 12 starts.
Additionally, Penix and Tagovailoa are both left-handed quarterbacks, which should make for an easier transition for receivers to catch passes moving in a different direction.
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