Former Alabama and Miami Dolphin Quarterback Expected to Sign With Falcons

It didn't take former Alabama quarterback Tua Tagovailoa long to find his new NFL home after being released by the Miami Dolphins earlier on Monday. Adam Schefter of ESPN reports that the former Heisman Trophy finalist from Alabama is expected to sign with the Atlanta Falcons, joining current Alabama head coach Kalen DeBoer's quarterback from Washington, Michael Penix Jr., as left-handed quarterbacks in Atlanta. Ian Rapoport of NFL Network reports that the deal will be a veteran minimum deal, which according to Yahoo Sports, is worth $1.215 million for a player with six credited seasons in the NFL.

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Tagovailoa became an Alabama legend in Mercedes-Benz Stadium, the home of the Atlanta Falcons. He replaced Alabama starting quarterback Jalen Hurts at halftime of the 2018 CFP National Championship game against the Georgia Bulldogs, where he led the Tide back from a 13-0 deficit to send the game to overtime, tied with Georgia at 20.

In overtime, facing a three-point deficit after Rodrigo Blankenship kicked a field goal to give Georgia a 23-20 lead, Tagovailoa took a 16-yard sack, setting Alabama back to 2nd and 26 on its first drive of overtime. On the next play, Tagovailoa dropped back and threw the ball to DeVonta Smith, who raced open down the left sideline, catching the game-winning touchdown to walk off Alabama's 17th national championship.

Tagovailoa would take over as the Tide's starting quarterback the next season, leading Alabama to an SEC Championship appearance (Jalen Hurts would replace the injured Tagovailoa in the fourth quarter and lead Alabama to another comeback victory over Georgia) and a College Football Playoff win over Oklahoma. The Crimson Tide fell to Clemson in the national championship.

In 2019, Tagovailoa's season was cut short after dislocating his hip against Mississippi State, and that would be the final snap he took as Alabama's quarterback. He finished his collegiate career with 7,442 passing yards and 87 touchdowns. Despite the injury history, the Miami Dolphins drafted him with the fifth-overall pick in the 2020 NFL draft.

Tagovailoa took over as the Dolphins' starter midway through the 2020 season and started every game he was healthy for until the final two games of the 2025 season. During his six seasons in Miami, Tagoailoa passed for 18,166 yards and 120 touchdowns with 473 yards and six rushing touchdowns.

Tagovailoa's deal with the Falcons is expected to be a one-year deal, as he is owed $167.1 million from the Dolphins after he signed a contract extension ahead of the 2024 season. The Dolphins will carry $99.2 million in dead cap (can be split over two seasons) after releasing Tagovailoa.

Wyatt Fulton is the Tide 100.9 DME and Brand Manager, primarily covering Alabama Crimson Tide football and men's basketball. For more Crimson Tide coverage, follow Wyatt on X (Formerly known as Twitter) at @FultonW_.