The Atlanta Falcons have signed Tua Tagovailoa as a competitor for Michael Penix. While he cost almost nothing, he’s still a major risk. A commentary.

Despite his season being below average at best, it was unrealistic to think Tua Tagovailoa would remain without a job in the NFL for long.

However, the fact that the Atlanta Falcons would make a move is still a bit of a surprise.

Not from a sports perspective, but because the Falcons are creating what is likely the most injury-prone quarterback depth in the NFL. And thus, they are taking the greatest risk at the most crucial position on the team.

NFL: Atlanta Falcons Build on Fragile Ground

You don’t have to be a big expert to know that, in nine out of ten cases, a franchise’s success is inextricably linked to the quarterback. Strong performances at the playmaker position exponentially increase a franchise’s chances of success.

And—let’s get this out of the way—there’s nothing to criticize about Tua Tagovailoa or Michael Penix Jr., who entered the 2025 season as the starter, from a football perspective. At least not for their current price. The Miami Dolphins are paying nearly all of Tua’s salary, and Penix is still on his rookie contract.

Furthermore, both are left-handed, which matters. From a sporting perspective, signing the Hawaiian certainly makes sense.

But what if the sporting aspect has no impact at all because the players aren’t even available? Penix missed eight games last season due to injury, tearing his ACL. Even in college, a severe knee injury sidelined him for months.

And Tua? His medical history is well known. When multiple doctors have (reportedly) advised a player to stop playing football to avoid permanent brain damage, you know what’s going on. In his six-year NFL career, he’s only played a full 17-game season once.

Do you want to entrust the franchise to these knees or this head?

The Atlanta Falcons have everything—except a quarterback

Even during last season, one got the impression that the Falcons have everything they need to compete at the top of the NFC, at least on paper.

Star running back Bijan Robinson, star receiver Drake London, star offensive line, star pass rush, star backfield. But why were the Falcons still absolutely mediocre with an 8-9 record in 2025? Partly because of the overall absolutely mediocre quarterback play from Penix or, later, Kirk Cousins.
Who knows, maybe Penix will recover in time for the crucial phase of preseason and show why he led the Washington Huskies to the College Football Playoff semifinals back then. Or Tua will show why he once won the National Championship with Alabama. Then, all of a sudden, the Falcons will have all the pieces of the puzzle in place.

The possibility is always there—if they can actually take the field.