The Atlanta Falcons enter the 2026 NFL season with yet another quarterback battle on their hands, this time pitting veteran newcomer Tua Tagovailoa against second-year signal-caller Michael Penix Jr.
After years of instability since the departure of longtime starter Matt Ryan, the franchise continues its search for a reliable leader under center. Currently, Tagovailoa is viewed as the favorite to win the starting job. Meanwhile, Penix, the former first-round draft pick, still looking to prove himself.
Uncertainty surrounds the position, as neither option inspires overwhelming confidence across the league. Jarrett Bailey of SB Nation went as far to suggest that if this pairing fails to deliver, the Falcons could pursue a dramatic overhaul by targeting Houston Texans quarterback C.J. Stroud in a potential trade.
But here’s the catch: Bailey thinks it can happen as soon as this year.
“The Falcons have a really nice collection of talent on offense, with Bijan Robinson being who many believe is the top running back in the NFL, and Drake London is one of the game’s finest receivers,” Bailey wrote. “Unfortunately, they have yet to find a quarterback who they can lean on, and that will continue to be the case in 2026 with Tua Tagovailoa and Michael Penix. Atlanta trades for Stroud, who easily becomes the best quarterback Kevin Stefanski has had since Baker Mayfield.”
The chances of a trade such as this actually happening before the start of the regular season — or at any point during the 2026 campaign — are basically zilch.
Yes, I understand it’s a bold, entertaining prediction on the part of Bailey, but there is absolutely zero realism tied to it.
Stroud has been disappointing in Houston, particularly after a fantastic rookie campaign in 2023. There is no question about it. But would the Texans seek to trade him now? Certainly not.
Stroud is entering a pivotal fourth season with the Texans and has one year remaining on his rookie deal after 2026. Houston exercised his fifth-year option earlier in the offseason. However, the Ohio State product is playing for a contract extension.
The Texans still surely want to see what they have in Stroud, as they used a No. 2 overall pick on the 24-year-old a few years ago. Even if they received an offer that contained multiple first-round selections, the chances of them considering a Stroud trade are highly unlikely.
As for the Falcons? They will just have to head into 2026 hoping that one of Tagovailoa — who has definitely had strong seasons before — or Penix prove themselves.
If not, they may have to start looking elsewhere for a quarterback next offseason. And chances are, Stroud won’t be the solution.
