NFL writer echoes executives about Falcons' Kirk Cousins, Tua Tagovailoa decisions

It was recently learned that multiple NFL executives don't understand why recently hired Atlanta Falcons head coach Kevin Stefanski seemingly decided that former Miami Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa is a better fit for the new-look Atlanta offense than veteran Kirk Cousins.

The Falcons parted ways with Cousins and gave his roster spot to Tagovailoa via a team-friendly one-year deal. On Thursday morning, NFL writer Conor Orr of Sports Illustrated was asked to pick his one move a general manager should have made. 

Why Tua Tagovailoa may prove to be a bad option for Falcons

"If I were the Falcons," Orr explained, "I would have renegotiated or re-signed Kirk Cousins to be my bridge quarterback. Tua Tagovailoa is as injury-prone as Michael Penix Jr., and unless Kevin Stefanski has a particular plan to maximize Tagovailoa that (former Dolphins head coach) Mike McDaniel did not, I feel like he’s going to be a bit of a combustible No. 2 option that doesn’t add much for Penix." 

Penix, Atlanta's 2025 Week 1 starter, suffered two ACL tears before he entered the NFL and before he needed surgery this past fall to repair a partially torn ACL. As for Tagovailoa, he has a well-known injury history related to concussions and other noteworthy setbacks. Additionally, he committed the third-most turnovers (16) in the NFL during the 2025 regular season. 

Kirk Cousins could have been a good fit for Falcons' Kevin Stefanski

Almost immediately after Tagovailoa was linked with the Falcons, it was suggested that he isn't the right fit for an offense run by Stefanski and new Falcons coordinator Tommy Rees. Meanwhile, Cousins had Stefanski as a quarterbacks coach and as an offensive coordinator when the two were with the Minnesota Vikings in 2018 and 2019.

"Cousins is an expert at preparation and is already familiar with the offense," Orr continued, "having played with Stefanski in Minnesota." 

Stefanski and Co. seem to be hoping that Penix will be good to go for the 2026 regular-season opener in September. If that isn't the case, the Falcons may ultimately regret replacing Cousins with Tagovailoa.