Atlant, GA – March 13, 2026 – The Atlanta Falcons’ quarterback situation remains wide open heading into the 2026 season, and new general manager Ian Cunningham made that crystal clear during a virtual news conference on Friday.
Speaking about the team’s recent signing of veteran quarterback Tua Tagovailoa to a one-year deal following his release from the Miami Dolphins, Cunningham stressed that no one is handed the starting job.
“For Tua coming in here, he knows he’s coming in here to compete, like Michael (Penix Jr.) knows he is coming in to compete, everybody quite frankly, not just those two at the quarterback position,” Cunningham said. “There are no starters right now.”
The comments come after the Falcons agreed to terms with Tagovailoa, a former Pro Bowl selection known for his quick release and accuracy. Tagovailoa was in Flowery Branch on Friday undergoing his physical, making the move official pending final paperwork.
Meanwhile, Michael Penix Jr., the left-handed quarterback drafted eighth overall in 2024, is working his way back from a torn ACL suffered in November.
Penix has shown flashes in limited action but enters the offseason as a competitor rather than the presumed starter.
Cunningham’s remarks underscore a merit-based approach under the new regime, which includes president of football operations Matt Ryan, head coach Kevin Stefanski, and the revamped front office. The team has prioritized open competition across the roster as it looks to rebound from back-to-back 8-9 seasons.
“Everybody’s coming in to compete,” Cunningham reiterated. “That’s just how we operate. We want to have open conversations and communication. I feel like we did that in regards to Michael and Tua.”
The Falcons have already communicated directly with Penix—Stefanski spoke with him personally, and Cunningham reached out via his agent—ensuring transparency amid the addition of Tagovailoa.
With both quarterbacks being left-handed, the setup allows for schematic continuity in Stefanski’s offense, which emphasizes quick decisions, timing routes, and yards after catch. Tagovailoa’s experience could provide stability while Penix continues his rehab, but nothing is guaranteed.
Fans in Atlanta can expect a real battle this spring and summer as the team builds toward training camp. In Cunningham’s view, competition breeds excellence—and right now, the QB1 job is up for grabs.
Stay tuned to AtlantaFalconsNews.com for more updates on the Falcons’ quarterback competition, free agency moves, and preparations for the 2026 season.