Megan Briggs/Getty Images

Tua Tagovailoa Declares His Best Football Is Coming After Leaving Dolphins

Originally posted on The Spun | By Andrew Gould | Last updated Mar 24, 2026 1:27 PM ET

Tua Tagovailoa expects to build a successful second act with the Atlanta Falcons.

The Miami Dolphins absorbed a record-setting $99 million dead cap hit to release Tagovailoa, who signed a one-year deal with Atlanta. He could start the season under center if Michael Penix Jr. isn't ready to return from an ACL tear.

Courtesy of Falcons reporter Tori McElhaney, Tagovailoa spoke to local media on Tuesday. The 28-year-old didn't shy away from the challenge of earning reps in Atlanta.

"I am no stranger to competition," Tagovailoa said.

The former Alabama standout is coming off a down season in which he threw a career-high 15 interceptions. Tagovailoa posted an 88.5 quarterback rating after exceeding 100 in each of his previous three seasons under head coach Mike McDaniel.

While his stock may feel like it's trending downward, Tagovailoa doesn't think he's peaked yet.

"I think the best football is still ahead of me."

"I have to play better football"

MIAMI GARDENS, FLORIDA - SEPTEMBER 19: Quarterback Tua Tagovailoa #1 of the Miami Dolphins looks to make a pass play against the Buffalo Bills in the first half of the game at Hard Rock Stadium on September 19, 2021 in Miami Gardens, Florida. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images)

Tagovailoa found his groove as an NFL starter by tallying 4,624 passing yards and 29 touchdowns in 2023. The Dolphins rewarded him with a four-year, $212.4 million extension before he completed a league-leading 72.9 percent of his passes in 2024.

However, he didn't continue that same trajectory last season. Tagovailoa registered 2,660 passing yards and a career-worst 37.5 QBR in 14 games, prompting McDaniel to bench him in December.

Tagovailoa acknowledged that the 2025 season "wasn't up to the standard" of his past performance.

"I have to play better football," Tagovailoa said. "There's no way to sugarcoat that."

Tagovailoa is excited to join a "really dangerous" Falcons offense featuring former first-round picks Bijan Robinson, Drake London, and Kyle Pitts. Atlanta finished 14th in total yards during an 8-9 season before replacing head coach Raheem Morris with Kevin Stefanski.

This article first appeared on The Spun and was syndicated with permission.

More must-reads: