Atlanta Falcons quarterback Tua Tagovailoa (1) shown on the field during Minicamp.
Dale Zanine-Imagn Images
When the Atlanta Falcons signed Tua Tagovailoa to a one-year contract, many believed he would be the starter, or at least compete for the role, in 2026. But there is the possibility that he could not even make the team and get cut, according to NFL beat writer Mike Florio.
If Tua Tagovailoa can’t win the Week 1 starting job in Atlanta, will he even make the 53-man roster? pic.twitter.com/iv251GtwMp
— ProFootballTalk (@ProFootballTalk) August 27, 2026
Florio speculates that Tagovailoa has not done enough to warrant a spot. Additionally, there have been rumors that Atlanta wants Michael Penix Jr. to start, which would leave Tagovailoa out. Tagovailoa also did not impress in his one preseason appearance. Because of that, there have been rumblings.
Tagovailoa will start against the Miami Dolphins, his old team, in the final preseason game. This will give him a chance to show what he can do. In contrast, Penix will not play. It appears the Falcons will make their decision after that game. Yet, it remains to be seen what that decision will be.
It was just a few seasons ago that Tagovailoa led the league in passing yards. Then, the fall happened in 2024, as he sustained multiple concussions and finished with 2,867 passing yards while passing for 19 touchdowns and seven interceptions in 11 games. Last season, it got worse, as Tagovailoa played 14 games and tossed for 2,660 yards with 20 touchdowns and 15 interceptions.
This caused the Dolphins to cut Tagovailoa, despite a $99 million cap hit over the next two seasons. Now, he is attempting to revive his career while showing he can stay healthy. If Tagovailoa cannot impress in his final preseason start with the Falcons, then Florio's speculation could become a reality.