Tua Tagovailoa sends warning to Michael Penix Jr. after joining Falcons

Shortly after the Atlanta Falcons confirmed that they had signed quarterback Tua Tagovailoa to a team-friendly one-year contract, a report claimed that the Falcons still view 2024 first-round draft pick Michael Penix Jr. "as the starter once he's healthy." 

While speaking with reporters on Tuesday for the first time since agreeing to his deal, Tagovailoa sent somewhat of a message to Penix regarding the QB1 job. 

Tua Tagovailoa "excited" to work with, compete against Michael Penix Jr.

"Competition is just a thing in the NFL," Tagovailoa said, per Josh Kendall of The Athletic. "I am no stranger to competition — had it in college. I would say competition is just going to be there, and competition enhances the play of everyone. I don’t think the mindset changes at all. … I embrace the competition. I am excited to work alongside Mike." 

The exact nature of that competition has yet to be revealed, as Penix is recovering from surgery he underwent this past fall to repair a partially torn ACL. In theory, Tagovailoa should have an opportunity to grow comfortable in the offense run by new Falcons head coach Kevin Stefanski as Penix focuses on getting back to full fitness. 

"The best thing for me right now is making the best of this opportunity that I have with the team in terms of the relationships I make with these guys," Tagovailoa said. "I get to freaking play football. This is what I dreamed of my entire life. I am going to be present. I’m going to be in the moment. I’m going to be where my feet are." 

Tua Tagovailoa speaks openly about struggles with Dolphins

Former Miami Dolphins head coach Mike McDaniel benched Tagovailoa due to poor play this past December, and Tagovailoa ultimately committed the third-most turnovers (16) in the league for the 2025 regular season. Executives and others within the NFL community have suggested Tagovailoa won't be a good fit for Stefanski's offense. On Tuesday, Tagovailoa acknowledged that "last year wasn’t the best year for me" and that he was "looking for a fresh start" with Atlanta. 

"My play wasn’t up to the standard of the way I’ve been playing football," Tagovailoa added. "Just got to play better football. There’s no way to sugarcoat that." 

It's currently not a lock that Tagovailoa will receive chances to play better football with the Falcons this fall. If nothing else, he sounds ready to do all that he can to emerge as Atlanta's best option on the roster later this summer.