Tua Tagovailoa is slated to return to Miami this Sunday as the Falcons’ starting quarterback, heading back to the very place he made his last start with the Dolphins. For now, he’s the guy under center, but talk around the league suggests this gig could be incredibly short-lived. There’s a “strong possibility” Tua will get cut if and when he’s benched, according to reports.
The Job He “Won By Default” is Already on Thin Ice
Let’s be real, Tua essentially landed this starting job by default. His main competition, Michael Penix Jr., hasn’t even been able to truly compete for the role yet. Penix Jr. is dealing with a surgically-repaired knee and is still working his way back to where he believes he can play and, crucially, protect himself on the field. The moment Penix Jr. feels ready to roll, it seems like a given that he’ll take over. If Tua can’t fend off that benching, the stakes climb way higher than just a backup spot.
A $54 Million Question Mark Looms Over Tua’s Future
The possibility of Tua getting released is seriously real. What’s even wilder is that the chance of him getting cut increases if he ends up yielding the job not to Penix Jr., but to veteran Cooper Rush, who already has 16 NFL starts under his belt. The Falcons signed Tua to a one-year, $1.21 million contract, which technically becomes fully guaranteed as CBA-mandated termination pay if he’s on the Week 1 roster. Here’s the kicker: the Dolphins still owe him $54 million, minus whatever he earns elsewhere in 2026. This means he *could* choose to forgo that termination pay from Atlanta, especially since it’s a one-time-only benefit.
This Sunday isn’t just another game for Tua, it’s a massive moment. He’s back where it all started, fighting for his job against the clock and an incoming contender. What’s going to happen when Penix Jr. is finally ready? That question looms large over every snap Tua takes from here on out.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Pro Football Talk.
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