For the fifth year in a row, the Atlanta Falcons could enter the season with a new starting quarterback. The team is having an open competition between Michael Penix Jr. and veteran Tua Tagovailoa for the QB1 job.
Tagovailoa seems to have the early advantage being the healthier of the two quarterbacks, and his veteran experience could help him secure the job. Nonetheless, the Falcons are going to make sure the best man wins the job.
The national media seems to be convinced that it's Tagovailoa's gig to lose, but that doesn't mean we won't see both quarterbacks in 2026. In fact, Tua was listed as one of Bleacher Report's eight quarterbacks who could be benched this season.
"Another significant injury would quickly open the door for Penix or Trevor Siemian, as would a stretch of poor play," wrote B/R's Kristopher Knox. "Atlanta doesn't have much invested in the former Miami Dolphins starter, and if Tagovailoa can't deliver a playoff run, the Falcons will give Penix another chance to prove he can be the long-term answer. Of course, if Tagovailoa and Penix both battle injuries and/or underwhelm, Siemian could end up steering the ship down the stretch while the Falcons eye that 2027 QB class."
Tagovailoa was benched late in the 2025 season by the Miami Dolphins, leading to his release over the offseason. The Falcons were able to land Tua for the veteran minimum, which was a savvy move that gives the team another starting-caliber QB without paying an arm and a leg (aka the Kirk Cousins contract).
Tagovailoa seems to have the early advantage being the healthier of the two quarterbacks, and his veteran experience could help him secure the job. Nonetheless, the Falcons are going to make sure the best man wins the job.
The national media seems to be convinced that it's Tagovailoa's gig to lose, but that doesn't mean we won't see both quarterbacks in 2026. In fact, Tua was listed as one of Bleacher Report's eight quarterbacks who could be benched this season.
"Another significant injury would quickly open the door for Penix or Trevor Siemian, as would a stretch of poor play," wrote B/R's Kristopher Knox. "Atlanta doesn't have much invested in the former Miami Dolphins starter, and if Tagovailoa can't deliver a playoff run, the Falcons will give Penix another chance to prove he can be the long-term answer. Of course, if Tagovailoa and Penix both battle injuries and/or underwhelm, Siemian could end up steering the ship down the stretch while the Falcons eye that 2027 QB class."
Tagovailoa was benched late in the 2025 season by the Miami Dolphins, leading to his release over the offseason. The Falcons were able to land Tua for the veteran minimum, which was a savvy move that gives the team another starting-caliber QB without paying an arm and a leg (aka the Kirk Cousins contract).
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