The Atlanta Falcons have signed Tua Tagovailoa to a one-year, $1.3 million contract to compete with Michael Penix Jr. for the starting quarterback job. General manager Ian Cunningham confirmed Tagovailoa is in the building taking his physical and understands he's coming in to compete. The move marks a significant shift from the previous regime's commitment to Penix.

Penix is recovering from left ACL surgery in November and has said he'll be ready for Week 1, though nine to twelve months is the typical recovery timeline. The Falcons fired head coach Raheem Morris and general manager Terry Fontenot after back-to-back 8-9 seasons and hired Kevin Stefanski as head coach with Cunningham as GM. They also created a president of football position filled by former franchise quarterback Matt Ryan.

Tagovailoa, 28, brings a mixed resume to Atlanta - a Pro Bowl selection in 2023 and the NFL's completion percentage leader in 2024, but also 15 interceptions last season and a concerning concussion history. The Dolphins will take a $67.4 million dead cap hit to release him. Penix, 25, has only 12 career starts with a 59.6% completion rate. Cunningham said Stefanski spoke with Penix and he personally contacted Penix's agent before the signing to ensure open communication.