Atlanta Falcons RB Bijan Robinson No. 62 on NFL's Top 100 List.
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Atlanta Falcons RB Bijan Robinson No. 62 on NFL's Top 100 List.
The Atlanta Falcons have made the best out of their free agency in 2026. As a result, the Atlanta Falcons have received their free agency grade in 2026.
According to Pro Football Focus, the Atlanta have received a B- grade for their 2026 free agency. This grade is largely due to the Tua Tagovailoa signing.
“Tagovailoa was not good in 2025, but the cost is important in this deal. Due to the nature of his release from the Miami Dolphins, the Falcons don’t have to spend big here, and the potential upside is huge. Tagovailoa earned PFF overall grades of 81.9 and 86.9 in 2022 and 2023, respectively. If he can return to that level, then this is an absolute steal for Atlanta. If he can’t, then it’s a low-cost move that doesn’t prevent the Falcons from seeing what Michael Penix Jr. looks like again in 2026.” Gordon McGuinness wrote in the PFF article.
Tua Tagovailoa Ready for a Reset in Atlanta
The Atlanta Falcons officially signed Tua Tagovailoa to a one-year contract worth up to $1.3 million on March 13. The move came after the Miami Dolphins released the 28-year-old after the 2025 season. Tagovailoa’s career has been up and down primarily due to injuries and performance on the field.
With Tagovailoa having a new change of scenery, the quarterback is ready for a reset.
“Based off of what happened last year, I knew I needed to play better, but I think this is a great opportunity to be able to come here and get a good reset,” Tagovailoa is quoted as saying to AtlantaFalcons.com. “I want to thank the Blank family. I want to thank Arthur (Blank). I want to thank Coach (Kevin) Stefanski. I want to thank the organization for allowing me this opportunity. I am excited.”
After having an unsuccessful season with the Miami Dolphins in 2025, the team parted ways with Tua Tagovailoa on March 6, 2026. Tagovailoa finished the 2025 season with 2,660 yards, 20 touchdowns and 15 interceptions.
The 28-year-old quarterback’s best season came in 2023. He started all 17 games throwing for 4,624 passing yards, helping Miami achieve an 11-6 record and a spot in the playoffs. In 2024, he completed 72% of his passes which led the NFL. Tagovailoa was 44-32 during six seasons as with the Miami Dolphins.
The Atlanta Falcons 2026 Outlook
The Atlanta Falcons moved on from quarterback Kirk Cousins and Wide Receiver Darnell Mooney to free up some cap space. The fact that Atlanta was able to sign a veteran at a reasonable price is a good sign.
“This was great news for an Atlanta team that’s still paying Kirk Cousins over $22 million in dead money this season. Whether or not Tagovailoa starts for the Falcons in 2026, he fills a need for a veteran quarterback while costing roughly $1.2 million.” Matt Urben wrote in a Falcons Wire article.
The offense remains loaded with their big three at the skill positions: Kyle Pitts, Drake London, and Bijan Robinson.
Tua Tagovailoa and Michael Penix Jr. are expected to compete for the starting position in 2026. Tagovailoa says looking forward to getting to work.
“If there’s no competition, I don’t think anyone’s getting better, in aspect of the field of work you’re in,” Tagovailoa said in the Atlanta Falcons article. “I am excited to be able to compete against [Penix], to compete with him, to be able to get to know my teammates on a personal level, knowing them from the outside in. We have a lot of good football players on this team, so I’m excited to get to play with these guys and get the chance to throw the ball around, conversate with them. I think it’s going to be great.”