Tua Tagovailoa isn’t going to sugarcoat his 2025 — it was bad.
But that doesn’t mean he believes his career is on a downward trajectory. He actually thinks quite the opposite.
A little over two weeks after signing with the Falcons following his release by the Dolphins, Tagovailoa spoke to reporters about what he expects from himself in Atlanta.
Tua Tagovailoa throws a pass during the Dolphins’ win over the Jets last season. Charles Wenzelberg / New York Post
He’s hoping the Falcons, who also added Trevor Siemian on Tuesday, will give him a new lease on football life.
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“Last year was not the best year for me, I’m looking for a fresh start,” Tagovailoa said, according to NBC Atlanta. I think the best football is still ahead of me.”
Two years removed from being a Pro Bowler, Tagovailoa looked like anything but in 2025.
He threw for 2,660 with 20 touchdowns and 15 interceptions. His QBR (37.5) was the lowest of his career, and his 190.0 yards per contest was the second worst after his rookie campaign.
Miami went 6-8 in his starts, and the team eventually benched him for rookie Quinn Ewers.
He’s now in a crowded quarterback group that features Michael Penix Jr. and Siemian.
Tua Tagovailoa runs off the field during the first half of the Dolphins’ blowout loss to the Patriots on Jan. 4, 2026 in Foxborough, Mass. AP
Tagovailoa knows if he’s going to win the starting quarterback job, his 2025 effort isn’t going to cut it in Atlanta, which has a new offensive-minded head coach in Kevin Stefanski.
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“So, just got to play better football. That’s what that really means,” the quarterback added. “There’s no other way to sugarcoat that or go around that.”
Tagovailoa said he’s ready to face the competition head-on and work alongside Penix, no matter who ends up winning the job.
Penix, in nine games last year before needing season-ending ACL surgery, threw for 1,982 yards with nine touchdowns against three interceptions, holding the lowest INT rate in the NFL.
“I embrace the competition. I’m excited to work alongside with Mike and I’m excited to work with the team, with the guys,” Tagovailoa said. “I think it’s going to be fun this year.”
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