Overview
- Atlanta officially announced Tagovailoa on a one-year, veteran-minimum contract, and GM Ian Cunningham said he and Michael Penix Jr. will compete for the starting job.
- Tagovailoa’s deal costs the Falcons about $1.3 million, while Miami absorbs an NFL-record dead-cap charge of roughly $99.2 million and remains responsible for about $54 million guaranteed in 2026.
- Penix is rehabbing a torn ACL suffered in November and has said he expects to be ready for the opener, though his timeline remains uncertain.
- Cunningham said he and coach Kevin Stefanski notified Penix and his agent before the move, emphasizing the new regime’s commitment to transparent communication.
- Multiple outlets, including NFL Network, have reported Tagovailoa could start the first few games while Penix finishes his recovery, and both quarterbacks are left-handed, allowing Atlanta to keep one offensive setup.