After six seasons with the Miami Dolphins, Tua Tagovailoa is hitting the open market. The quarterback could garner interest from several teams, including the Atlanta Falcons. With news of Tagovailoa’s impending departure, how have NFL media members reacted?
Why Tua Tagovailoa Would Be a Strong Fit With the Atlanta Falcons
One reason Tagovailoa joining the Falcons makes sense is the uncertainty around quarterback Michael Penix Jr. Penix went down last year with a partially torn ACL, and his timetable is unclear.
As Scoop City co-host James Palmer put it, “There was some buzz at the Combine about the Falcons interest in Tua, with Penix’s return time up in the air.”
The Falcons’ offense could be very competitive. They have standout playmakers like running back Bijan Robinson, who received a C+ grade ranking fifth according to PFSN’s RB Impact Metric. They also have wide receiver Drake London and tight end Kyle Pitts, both of whom had impressive seasons. Given this talent, it makes sense for the Falcons to add a proven starter in case Penix cannot start.
Another reason the Falcons want to target Tagovailoa specifically is the offensive structure. As NFL Network reporter Tom Pelissero put it, “The Falcons are building their offense for lefty Michael Penix Jr.” Tagovailoa is left-handed, so he could slot in very well into the Falcons’ offense.
There was some buzz at the Combine about the Falcons interest in Tua with Penix’s return time up in the air. It makes sense to get a player that is on the minimum that has led the NFL in completion % and yards to be your spot starter and high level backup. Also Tua can use this… https://t.co/dOpY2ewFrm
— James Palmer (@JamesPalmerTV) March 9, 2026
As ESPN NFL insider Field Yates said, “The all-lefty QB room could be coming together in Atlanta.”
The all-lefty QB room could be coming together in Atlanta https://t.co/u89aMU4EyP
— Field Yates (@FieldYates) March 9, 2026
This would be rare. As NFL reporter Albert Breer noted, “Last time a team had two southpaws atop the QB depth chart?” Southpaw is a term for quarterbacks who are left-handed, so while it would be unique to have two left-handed QBs in Atlanta, it could work very well for them.
Tagovailoa is also familiar with the Falcons’ offensive scheme. New head coach Kevin Stefanski runs a play-action and outside zone scheme, similar to what Tagovailoa had success with under head coach Mike McDaniel in Miami. As Fox Sports NFL reporter Greg Auman put it, “The match makes a lot of sense.”
Most reactions were positive, but one negative stood out. “Not 1 but 2 injury prone lefty QBs in ATL!” tweeted Willie Parkinson, host and producer of Turn on the Jets. Tagovailoa’s injury history makes pairing him with Penix a risk.
Overall, Tagovailoa to the Falcons makes a lot of sense and would be the right move to keep Atlanta competitive in the playoff race.
