Tagovailoa Signs One-Year Deal with Falcons

Atlanta Falcons quarterback Tua Tagovailoa addressed reporters on Tuesday, expressing optimism about his new one-year contract with the team and the chance to compete for the starting position following his release from the Miami Dolphins earlier this offseason.

The 28-year-old Tagovailoa, a first-round pick by Miami in 2020, signed a veteran-minimum deal worth approximately $1.3 million for the 2026 season. The agreement came after the Dolphins absorbed a league-record $99 million dead cap hit to part ways with him, despite owing him $54 million in guaranteed money for 2026. Over six seasons in Miami, Tagovailoa compiled a 44-32 record as a starter, including a single playoff appearance that ended in defeat. He led the NFL in passing yards with 4,624 in 2023 and in completion percentage at 72.9 percent in 2024, earning a Pro Bowl selection the prior year.

His tenure ended on a low note after a challenging 2025 campaign, where he threw a career-high 15 interceptions in 14 games and was benched for the final three contests in favor of rookie Quinn Ewers. "Last year wasn't the best year for me," Tagovailoa said. "My play wasn't up to the standard of the way I've been playing...