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Falcons Stall on Penix Contract Until He Beats Tagovailoa

7/21/2026

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Summary

Story summary

The Falcons have not justified exercising Michael Penix Jr.’s fifth-year option or granting a long-term contract until he outperforms veteran Tua Tagovailoa.
Penix, the eighth overall pick in the 2024 draft, enters his third season with 12 starts, a 4-8 record, four wins, two 300-yard games and a 59.6% completion rate.
Penix missed most of his sophomore year after nine games and season-ending surgery on a partially torn ACL.

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Story summary

The Falcons have not justified exercising Michael Penix Jr.’s fifth-year option or granting a long-term contract until he outperforms veteran Tua Tagovailoa.
Penix, the eighth overall pick in the 2024 draft, enters his third season with 12 starts, a 4-8 record, four wins, two 300-yard games and a 59.6% completion rate.
Penix missed most of his sophomore year after nine games and season-ending surgery on a partially torn ACL.