The Atlanta Falcons entered the offseason with uncertainty at quarterback, but bolstered their depth by adding a veteran signal caller and former No. 5 overall pick, and in doing so set up a competition that will stretch into training camp.
That man is Tua Tagovailoa, who was released by the Miami Dolphins and will step into a quarterback battle in Atlanta knowing he will need to earn the starting job rather than being handed it.
The Falcons will hold a competition between Michael Penix Jr., who is recovering from a torn ACL, and Tagovailoa during training camp to decide who gets the QB1 job.
Speaking Tuesday for the first time since signing with the Falcons, Tagovailoa acknowledged that his path to becoming Atlanta’s starter will depend on improving his declining level of play.
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“If you’re looking at last year, my play wasn’t up to the standard of the way I’ve been playing football the past three years since the new contract,” Tagovailoa said. “So, just got to play better football. That’s what that really means. There’s no other way to sugarcoat that or go around that.”
Tagovailoa lost his starting job in Miami after throwing for 2,660 yards and a career-high 15 interceptions through 14 games, a sharp contrast from his 2023 season when he led the NFL in passing yards with 4,624, tossing 29 touchdowns (and 14 interceptions) in 17 games.
Atlanta signed the 28-year-old to a one-year, $1.215 million deal, with general manager Ian Cunningham confirming he will compete with Penix once the younger quarterback is healthy.
“You're either a competitor or you're not, you just don't go from being a competitor to 'let me just relax a little bit,'” Tagovailoa said. “I just don't think that's how it works. And so, I embrace the competition. I'm excited to work alongside with Mike and I'm excited to work with the team, with the guys. I think it's going to be fun this year.”
Asked about what's next for him now that he is a Falcon, Tagovailoa didn't hesitate when sharing his outlook.
“Last year was not the best year for me. I'm looking for a fresh start,” Tagovailoa said. “I think the best football is still ahead of me.”
