The Miami Dolphins plan to release quarterback Tua Tagovailoa when NFL free agency begins, with reports indicating he intends to sign a one-year contract with the Atlanta Falcons.[1][2]

Tagovailoa would join left-handed quarterback Michael Penix Jr., setting up a competition for Atlanta's starting role ahead of the 2026 NFL season.[1][3]

Tagovailoa, a left-handed passer, was selected by Miami with the fifth overall pick in the 2020 NFL Draft out of Alabama.[4][5]

He made one Pro Bowl appearance in 2023, when the Dolphins went 11-6 and reached the playoffs via the AFC's No. 6 seed.[4][6]

Prior to the 2024 season, Tagovailoa signed a four-year contract extension with Miami valued at $212.4 million.[7][8]

The Falcons chose Penix, also left-handed, with the eighth overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft out of Washington.[9][10]

Atlanta has not qualified for the playoffs since the 2017 postseason, when they lost in the Divisional Round to Philadelphia.[11]

The Falcons' most recent deep playoff run came in the 2016 season, reaching Super Bowl LI before losing 34-28 to New England after leading 28-3.[11][12]

NFL free agency is scheduled to open in March 2026.[1]

Sources

1. ESPN
   NFL Free Agency Tracker
   Accessed January 5, 2026
   https://www.espn.com/nfl/
2. Fox Sports
   NFL News
   Accessed January 5, 2026
   https://www.foxsports.com/nfl
3. Atlanta Falcons
   Quarterbacks Roster
   Accessed January 5, 2026
   https://www.atlantafalcons.com/team/players-roster/
4. NFL.com
   Tua Tagovailoa Player Page
   Accessed January 5, 2026
   https://www.nfl.com/players/tua-tagovailoa/
5. Pro-Football-Reference
   Tua Tagovailoa Stats
   Accessed January 5, 2026
   https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/T/TagiTu00.htm