The Falcons’ quarterback battle is about as close as it can get.
Atlanta enters training camp with one of the more fascinating position battles in the NFL, as Tua Tagovailoa and Michael Penix Jr. are essentially even money to win the starting job.
Tagovailoa, who signed a one-year minimum deal with the Falcons in March after being released by the Dolphins, is an ever-so-slight -120 favorite at FanDuel Sportsbook to be behind center for Atlanta during Week 1.
Penix is right behind him at -106, suggesting that there’s still plenty to be decided in Atlanta in the coming months before the 2026 NFL season kicks off.
“For Tua coming in here, he knows he’s coming in to compete,” Falcons general manager Ian Cunningham said in March. “Just like Michael knows that he’s coming in to compete and everybody, quite frankly — not just those two at the quarterback position — but everybody’s coming in to compete.”
Tagovailoa, 28, has spent the last six seasons with the Dolphins since being drafted 5th overall in 2020.
He had 260 completions for 2,660 yards and 20 touchdowns, along with 15 interceptions, in 14 games last season.
Penix, who underwent surgery for a torn ACL in November, is rehabbing with the hopes of returning to action in Week 1.
“Ever since I got hurt, that’s been a goal,” Penix said Tuesday, per ESPN. “But at the same time, I’ve got to focus on the right now and right now I’ve got to do whatever I can to get better each and every day.”
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In two seasons since being drafted No. 8 overall, Penix has thrown for 2,757 yards with 12 touchdowns and six interceptions across 14 appearances.
New Falcons head coach Kevin Stefanski said Tuesday that the pair will rotate first-team reps and that he plans to be “very” intentional with how they split looks.
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Dylan Svoboda is a versatile writer and analyst across many sports. He’s particularly knowledgeable about the big three — MLB, the NFL and the NBA.
