New Headline: Tagovailoa Eclipses Expectations as Falcons' Next Big Star Arrives

The Atlanta Falcons went into NFL free agency with a few glaring needs and limited salary cap space to work with. Nonetheless, the team has done a decent job of filling these needs thus far, signing quarterback Tua Tagovailoa and over a dozen low-cost free agents. Tagovailoa is the biggest name of the bunch, and he comes to Atlanta on a one-year deal for the veteran minimum.

It's a perfect fit for both parties. The Falcons have a need for a veteran QB after releasing Kirk Cousins, and Tagovailoa just received a large payout from Miami as part of his release. ESPN graded each of the top signings in NFL free agency.

Atlanta earned a "B+" grade for signing Tagovailoa. ESPN gives Falcons B+ grade for signing Tagovailoa "I can't say I'm much of a believer in Tagovailoa at this point, but that's almost beside the point given the price and how much sense he makes for Atlanta's situation," wrote ESPN's Seth Walder . "With Michael Penix Jr.

rehabbing from the torn ACL he suffered last November, the Falcons needed someone who could, at minimum, run the offense through the offseason and back up Penix in-season. At most, the new QB would likely start a few early-season games. And, ideally, not cost much.