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The Atlanta Falcons moved on from general manager Terry Fontenot after the 2025 season, but questions remain about the quarterback he selected with the No. 8 pick in the 2024 NFL Draft. Fontenot drafted Michael Penix Jr. just a month after the team signed Kirk Cousins to a four-year, $180 million contract.
This unorthodox approach blew up in Atlanta's face, ultimately costing Fontenot his job. The Falcons have since hired GM Ian Cunningham, whose first notable move was signing former Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa.
Penix now once again finds himself playing second-fiddle to a more experienced quarterback. Plus, he will have to overcome another significant injury. While we'll have to see how the situation plays out, Fontenot offered his two cents on the Falcons QB room during an appearance on SiriusXM NFL Radio.
"The situation that they're in right now, they move on from Kirk Cousins, so now they need to add to the quarterback room," said Fontenot. "So, adding Tua, that's a good business decision, right? You've got Miami paying for him, you're paying just over $1 million on that contract, so it makes sense for them to get him in, take a look at him."
But what does Fontenot think will happen with Penix in 2026?
"I know the mindset of Mike is to focus on the rehab, do everything you can do to get healthy, and get back on the field to get back on the field so you can go and compete so you can help this team," said Fontenot. "He's had adversity through his whole career, particularly in college, and every time, that dude just comes back stronger. Definitely rooting for him in that situation."
The Falcons haven't officially signed Tagovailoa yet, but he's believed to have agreed to terms on a one-year contract for the league minimum. The team hasn't stated which player will start in 2026, but most assume it will be an open competition between Penix and Tagovailoa.
Follow along with each Falcons transaction using our 2026 NFL free agency tracker!
This article originally appeared on Falcons Wire: Ex Falcons GM Terry Fontenot comments on Penix, Tagovailoa
Continue reading...
This unorthodox approach blew up in Atlanta's face, ultimately costing Fontenot his job. The Falcons have since hired GM Ian Cunningham, whose first notable move was signing former Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa.
Penix now once again finds himself playing second-fiddle to a more experienced quarterback. Plus, he will have to overcome another significant injury. While we'll have to see how the situation plays out, Fontenot offered his two cents on the Falcons QB room during an appearance on SiriusXM NFL Radio.
"The situation that they're in right now, they move on from Kirk Cousins, so now they need to add to the quarterback room," said Fontenot. "So, adding Tua, that's a good business decision, right? You've got Miami paying for him, you're paying just over $1 million on that contract, so it makes sense for them to get him in, take a look at him."
But what does Fontenot think will happen with Penix in 2026?
"I know the mindset of Mike is to focus on the rehab, do everything you can do to get healthy, and get back on the field to get back on the field so you can go and compete so you can help this team," said Fontenot. "He's had adversity through his whole career, particularly in college, and every time, that dude just comes back stronger. Definitely rooting for him in that situation."
The Falcons haven't officially signed Tagovailoa yet, but he's believed to have agreed to terms on a one-year contract for the league minimum. The team hasn't stated which player will start in 2026, but most assume it will be an open competition between Penix and Tagovailoa.
Follow along with each Falcons transaction using our 2026 NFL free agency tracker!
This article originally appeared on Falcons Wire: Ex Falcons GM Terry Fontenot comments on Penix, Tagovailoa
Continue reading...
