Tua Tagovailoa spoke publicly for the first time since the Miami Dolphins released him, discussing his new one-year deal with the Atlanta Falcons and upcoming competition with Michael Penix Jr. The former first-round pick acknowledged his subpar performance last season and expressed optimism about regaining form. He also addressed lingering injury concerns after passing the Falcons' medical protocols.
Tua Tagovailoa signed a one-year, prove-it contract with the Atlanta Falcons earlier this month following his release by the Miami Dolphins. In a virtual press conference on Tuesday, the quarterback reflected on last season's struggles, where he threw for 2,660 yards, 20 touchdowns, and a career-worst 15 interceptions across 14 games. Benched late in the year for Quinn Ewers after a three-interception game against the Cleveland Browns, Tagovailoa said, '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. So, just got to play better football.' The Dolphins had given him a four-year, $212.4 million extension in July 2024 but parted ways afterward, still owing him $54 million guaranteed for 2026 despite his veteran minimum deal in Atlanta. In Atlanta, Tagovailoa faces competition from Michael Penix Jr., who is recovering from a season-ending ACL injury suffered last November. Penix posted 1,982 yards, nine touchdowns, and three interceptions in his second NFL season. 'You're either a competitor or you're not,' Tagovailoa said. 'I embrace the competition. I'm excited to work alongside with Mike.' Both left-handed passers, they share a draft connection through Tagovailoa's brother. The Falcons added Trevor Siemian as a free agent on Tuesday for depth. Tagovailoa, a former Pro Bowler, has dealt with multiple concussions and a hip injury in recent years but cleared all protocols. 'Everything came out good. Some things are looking way better than the guys might've thought,' he noted. He aims to help Atlanta reach the playoffs and Super Bowl.