Falcons coach explains why he signed former Dolphins QB Tua Tagovailoa

The Miami Dolphins officially ended the Tua Tagovailoa Era in South Florida this offseason, as the cut the former first-round pick and allowed him an opportunity to find a new team in free agency. It didn't take long after his release for Tagovailoa to sign with the Atlanta Falcons on a minimum deal for the 2026 season. Speaking at the league meetings this week, Falcons head coach Kevin Stefanski, who will also be starting his tenure with the team, explained the decision to bring in Tagovailoa this offseason.

"Tua was a good fit for us," Stefanski told NFL Network . "I think the football fit, the personal fit, I think he's looking for a place where he can go and compete for a starting job, and that's what we are offering to him. I think he's somebody that has always competed in career, look back at his time at Alabama, so him coming in, and he wants to do what's best for this football team, we're excited to have him.

" Tagovailoa's tenure in Miami was a bit of a rollercoaster, as he started his career on the bench behind Ryan Fitzpatrick, and the coaching staff moved him back and forth from backup to starter as a rookie. When he eventually took over as the starter, he saw some success, even making a Pro Bowl in 2023 while leading the NFL in passing yards, but he struggled in 2025 and eventually landed back on the bench behind Quinn Ewers. "There's something to be said when you're fired," Stefanski said.

"I can attest to that. You want to prove people wrong. You have a chip on your shoulder.