ATLANTA — Tua Tagovailoa signed with the Atlanta Falcons on a one-year contract at the veteran minimum salary after being released by the Miami Dolphins in March. The move followed a 2025 season in which he recorded 2,660 passing yards, 20 touchdowns, and 15 interceptions before his release.
Tagovailoa led the NFL in passing yards in 2023 with 4,624 yards while completing 69.3% of his passes. He followed that performance by leading the league in completion percentage in 2024, connecting on 72.9% of his throws in 11 games before a concussion and hip injury ended his season early. Since being drafted fifth overall in 2020, he has maintained a career NFL completion rate of 68%.
The Dolphins absorbed a dead cap hit of nearly $100 million when they released Tagovailoa, marking one of the largest financial implications for a quarterback release in league history. Despite the abrupt end to his tenure in Miami, Tagovailoa expressed enthusiasm about his new opportunity in Atlanta.
"The team winning the Super Bowl, I think that’d be amazing whether I’m the guy or whether I’m not the guy. I think that would be unbelievable in any way I can help make that happen. I’m excited to be here for that." Tagovailoa said. He added that his priorities extend beyond football, noting, "I have a three-year-old who is going to be four and a two-year-old, boy and girl. I think that’s my first job, and I’m a part-time football player. I’m just glad I still get to live my dream out and be able to play."
Falcons head coach Kevin Stefanski praised Tagovailoa’s fit within the team and noted his accuracy as a defining strength. "He’s working very hard, fits in really well with our guys. The skill set is what you see from his Miami days, very accurate." Stefanski said. He also stated that accuracy is the most important trait for a quarterback.