As the Atlanta Falcons move into the 2026 season, the franchise is still chasing a definitive answer regarding the starting quarterback position. Michael Penix Jr. is recovering from a lingering injury, forcing the team to heavily rely on Tua Tagovailoa. The former Miami Dolphins cast-off is standing on incredibly unstable ground following a string of poor performances. Prominent NFL analysts are now actively urging the front office to consider the trade market for an immediate replacement.

ESPN analyst Chase Daniel publicly urged the Falcons to consider trading for Dallas Cowboys quarterback Joe Milton.

“Joe Milton is a much better option,” Daniel wrote on August 23, resharing Dan Orlovsky’s post. 

Fellow ESPN analyst Dan Orlovsky entered the debate by suggesting a late-round trade for Los Angeles Rams quarterback Stetson Bennett.

“The @AtlantaFalcons should try and trade a late pick for Stetson Bennett,” wrote ESPN analyst Orlovsky on August 23. 

Daniel believes Milton’s recent training camp performances make him the vastly superior option. The Dallas quarterback has utilized the preseason to brilliantly showcase his elite physical traits.

Milton completely dominated a recent preseason matchup by hitting Jalen Brooks for a 60-yard touchdown with an effortless wrist flick. Guest coach Nicholas Williams assisted the Saints’ coaching staff during a joint practice and came away highly impressed by the young prospect. Williams noted on X that Milton is built like Cam Newton and possesses an absolute cannon for an arm. Those exact physical dimensions make him a perfect fit for Atlanta’s new offensive scheme.

The Cowboys quarterback’s raw power and massive 6-foot-5, 246-pound frame perfectly suit the heavy play-action and vertical route trees utilized by Falcons head coach Kevin Stefanski. NFL reporter Jon Machota noted that Milton has looked highly accurate on intermediate and deep throws while meticulously avoiding interceptions. He completed 9 of 13 passes for 179 yards and two touchdowns, including a 53-yard strike to Jonathan Mingo, against the Arizona Cardinals on August 22. This impressive deep-ball accuracy gives him a massive edge over the alternative trade target.

Bennett consistently struggles to throw an accurate pass beyond 15 yards. The Rams quarterback still managed to catch Orlovsky’s attention following his strongest outing of the preseason. Bennett completed 19 of 31 passes for 181 yards and added two rushing touchdowns in a dominant 34-0 win over the New Orleans Saints. That solid performance still failed to eclipse the intriguing upside of the Dallas prospect.

Assisting the Saints’ coaching staff during the preseason, guest coach Nicholas Williams was impressed by Milton’s athleticism and physical abilities. And with this, Daniel received a vote of confidence for the Falcons trying their luck with Milton. 

“Just had a joint practice against Joe Milton. Bro is built like Cam Newton and has a cannon for an arm,” Williams wrote on X, replying to Daniel.

There comes a crucial factor where Milton leaves Bennett behind. When it comes to the Rams quarterback, he can’t consistently throw an accurate pass beyond 15 yards. This is not a matter of concern for Milton. 

“Not only has Milton looked accurate on intermediate and deep throws, but he’s not putting the ball in areas where it could be intercepted,” Jon Machota wrote.

He went 9-for-13 for 179 yards and two touchdowns, and he rushed for a score, too, against the Arizona Cardinals on August 22. Milton threw a 53-yard touchdown to Jonathan Mingo and added a 70-yard deep-ball completion to Camden Brown.

The former Tennessee Volunteers star was originally traded to Dallas for a fifth-round draft pick and is now fighting for a permanent roster spot. Cowboys coach Brian Schottenheimer confirmed that the intense backup quarterback competition is far from over, praising Milton while maintaining confidence in his competitor, Sam. Dallas is currently enjoying a competitive surplus of capable passers. Conversely, the overall quarterback situation in Atlanta is rapidly deteriorating.

“This is long from over,” coach Brian Schottenheimer said about the backup quarterback competition. “We’re going back to Frisco, thankfully, get a chance to be home and put some more training camp days in. You’ve got to give Joe his credit, he’s played really well the past two games, but we have a lot of confidence in Sam as well.”

As the confusion continues in the Cowboys camp, Atlanta is in urgent need of a good quarterback.

Tua Tagovailoa struggles to find his rhythm in Atlanta

Tua Tagovailoa is currently struggling to find any consistent rhythm in his new Atlanta environment. During his first preseason outing, the veteran went 3-of-5 for 22 passing yards in limited action against the Denver Broncos. He immediately took full accountability for the disorganized offensive showing. His postgame comments highlighted his intense frustration with the starting unit’s execution.

“Definitely not up to standard, not even up to par. Start with the first drive, second play, just being able to catch the snap. Little things like that,” Tagovailoa took accountability. “What we put out there is not a reflection of the hard work that we’ve put in the first two weeks of training camp, and it does no justice to the work our coaches have implemented. It starts with me. I’ve got to be better with that.”

Tagovailoa suffered through a remarkably rough outing during the Westfield practice sessions. He threw a devastating pick-six to Indianapolis cornerback Justin Walley, took multiple sacks, and fumbled a direct snap while leading the first-team offense. The coaching staff ultimately decided to bench him during Saturday’s preseason victory against the Colts. The backup quarterback immediately capitalized on the unexpected playing time.

Jack Strand delivered a highly impressive performance in relief, completing 12 of 17 passes for 212 yards and a touchdown. That commanding showing officially put Tagovailoa squarely on the hot seat heading into the final stretch of training camp. The Falcons front office must now decide whether to execute a major roster move to salvage their offensive potential. The organization will finalize its quarterback depth chart before the 2026 regular season kicks off this September.