Back to today’s briefing

Story perspectives

Falcons QB Battle Rages; Panthers Bolster Tackle Corps

7/6/2026

50 5 Full Breakdown

Summary

Story summary

The Falcons will decide their starting quarterback at training camp, pitting Tua Tagovailoa against Michael Penix Jr.
General manager Ian Cunningham and coach Kevin Stefanski extended Drake London and Kyle Pitts to multi-year deals and expect a similar contract for Bijan Robinson.
The Panthers rely on tackles Ikem Ekwonu and Taylor Moton, and first-round rookie Monroe Freeling could compete for a starting spot after limited college snaps.

History

Historical Context

After the Browns returned as an expansion franchise in 1999, they used the first overall pick to draft quarterback Tim Couch, who started five seasons and led the team to a 2002 playoff berth. His sizable rookie deal sparked a league-wide debate over early contracts, a caution that modern executives like Ian Cunningham cite while weighing quarterbacks such as Tua Tagovailoa and Michael Penix Jr.

1 of 2

Story summary

The Falcons will decide their starting quarterback at training camp, pitting Tua Tagovailoa against Michael Penix Jr.
General manager Ian Cunningham and coach Kevin Stefanski extended Drake London and Kyle Pitts to multi-year deals and expect a similar contract for Bijan Robinson.
The Panthers rely on tackles Ikem Ekwonu and Taylor Moton, and first-round rookie Monroe Freeling could compete for a starting spot after limited college snaps.

1 / 2