The Atlanta Falcons are getting a new quarterback to accompany their brand new front office and head coach, Kevin Stefanski. With Michael Penix Jr. recovering from an ACL tear, the Falcons got veteran QB Tua Tagovailoa, who was recently released by the new regime in Miami. The NFL world took to social media to let out their thoughts on Tagovailoa heading to Atlanta.
NFL World Reacts to Tua Tagovailoa’s New Team
Tagovailoa will compete with Penix for the starting job if Penix returns to training camp healthy. Tagovailoa is owed plenty of money by the Dolphins, so he signed a one-year, $1.3 million deal to play in Atlanta.
“BREAKING: One-year deal for Tua Tagovailoa with the Falcons. Kevin Stefanski LOVES mid QBs,” said NFL insider John Frascella.
BREAKING:
One year deal for Tua Tagovailoa with the Falcons
Kevin Stefanski LOVES mid qbs https://t.co/9t3IilWnMb
— John Frascella (Football) (@NFLFrascella) March 9, 2026
Injury concerns will be an issue for this quarterback room. Penix suffered the third ACL tear of his career last season, and Tagovailoa has a reputation for suffering concussions.
“Tua concussions: 3, Penix ACL surgeries: 3, What could go wrong?” said Hall of Fame voter Armando Salguero.
Tua concussions: 3
Penix ACL surgeries: 3What could go wrong? https://t.co/3VscryvKKc
— Armando Salguero (@ArmandoSalguero) March 9, 2026
The Falcons have had the talent to make playoff runs in a weak NFC South. They haven’t taken advantage and instead are still searching for answers. The jury is out on whether Tagovailoa will be the answer.
They have plenty of weapons in Bijan Robinson and Drake London to help out Tagovailoa. One Buffalo sports co-host, Thad Brown, is quite fond of the move, despite others being skeptical.
“Welcome to Leftlanta. Actually, a pretty smart move for the Falcons and Tua,” said Brown.
Welcome to Leftlanta.
Actually a pretty smart move for the Falcons and Tua. https://t.co/x3ZkwtGMha— Thad Brown (@thadbrown7) March 9, 2026
Others poked fun at the idea of having two lefties on the roster. A Steelers content creator likened Tagovailoa to a carbon copy of Penix.
“Falcons really got two Michael Penix’s on their roster,” said Steelers Nation on X.
Falcons really got two Michael Penix’s on their roster https://t.co/MnNkAKTXtg
— Steelers Network (@SteelersNetwork) March 9, 2026
After Tagovailoa played in the blazing heat of Miami for half the season, he’ll have to get adjusted to playing his home games in a dome. NFL influencer Bengal chimed in that this could help his performance.
“Dome Tua is about to go crazy,” said Bengal.
The Falcons were allowed to take this flyer on Tagovailoa because of his deal with the Dolphins. Since he is owed a king’s ransom by Miami, the contract demands aren’t nearly as high. NFL analyst Hayden Winks used Tagovailoa’s contract as a warning sign for teams who are unsure whether their average starting QB is worth a major extension.
“Dolphins having $99M in dead money just for the Falcons to sign Tua Tagovailoa for $1M is a cautionary tale of the mediocre QB extension,” said Winks.
Dolphins having $99M in dead money just for the Falcons to sign Tua Tagovailoa for $1M is a cautionary tale of the mediocre QB extension.
— Hayden Winks (@HaydenWinks) March 9, 2026
The Falcons won’t care what Tagovailoa is owed by Miami. It helps them that he’s getting paid by Miami, and they got a huge discount. The Tagovailoa and Penix situation will be one to monitor as the two lefties duke it out for the starting job in Atlanta.
Editor’s Note: This is a breaking news story and will be updated throughout the day as more information becomes available.
