Tagovailoa joined the Falcons after the Dolphins released him, while still paying him a substantial amount. The Falcons signed him at the league minimum to contend with Penix, who is coming off a season-ending ACL injury.
Since Matt Ryan was traded to the Colts, Atlanta has failed to establish a stable long-term quarterback, cycling through options without a clear plan.
The Falcons’ new front office under general manager Ian Cunningham could explore a dramatic move for Burrow, aided by Stefanski’s familiarity with Burrow from his Cleveland days and Ryan’s role as Atlanta’s president. The team is projected to have over $148 million in cap space next offseason, which could support a multi-first-round-pick package and a new deal for Burrow. Burrow would have three years left on his contract after 2026, with only one guaranteed.
Still, moving Burrow remains unlikely. Cincinnati views him as a franchise centerpiece, and trading him would run counter to Cunningham’s rebuild philosophy focused on preserving draft capital, despite the allure of a near-guaranteed quarterback.
In the near term, the Falcons must settle their 2026 quarterback plan between Tagovailoa and Penix, while the Burrow scenario remains a theoretical option contingent on market dynamics and the new regime’s approach to cap management.
