In a move that signals a definitive shift for the franchise, the Atlanta Falcons are parting ways with veteran quarterback Kirk Cousins. General Manager Ian Cunningham made the announcement public, stating the team plans to release Cousins when the new league year begins on March 11.
Cunningham revealed the decision during a radio interview, emphasizing it was made "out of respect" to both Cousins and the team's current starter, Michael Penix Jr. The Falcons' front office has already informed the 37-year-old quarterback of their intentions, setting the stage for his imminent departure.
A Stint That Fell Short of Expectations
Cousins' tenure in Atlanta was turbulent from the start. The Falcons made a massive splash in the 2024 offseason, signing the former Pro Bowler to a staggering four-year, $180 million contract. This came after Cousins was recovering from a torn Achilles that ended his 2023 season. The optimism was short-lived, however, as the Falcons stunned the football world just a month later by using the No. 8 overall pick in the draft on quarterback Michael Penix Jr.
The 2025 season saw Cousins start 14 games, amassing 3,508 passing yards and 18 touchdowns. But he also threw a career-high 16 interceptions, and his performance ultimately led to him being benched in favor of the rookie Penix. When Penix suffered an ACL tear last November, Cousins returned to the lineup and guided the team to four consecutive wins to close the season. Despite the late surge, his overall metrics—an 84.8 quarterback rating and just 6.4 yards per pass attempt—were below his established standards.
Financial Mechanics Paved the Way
The financial writing was on the wall. In early January, the Falcons restructured Cousins' contract, drastically reducing his 2026 base salary from $35 million to $2.1 million. This maneuver shifted money to 2027, creating a massive $67.9 million guarantee that was set to vest on March 13. With that looming financial cliff, and the unlikelihood of any team trading for such a contract, a release became the only logical outcome.
"I'll keep an open mind," Cousins told Front Office Sports earlier this month regarding his future. "I want to play. I feel really rejuvenated... (I) really have a joy playing, enjoyed the guys, and so want to get back out there and be able to get back at it again." His release will officially make him a free agent, adding a notable veteran name to a quarterback market that has been relatively quiet.
What's Next for Atlanta and Cousins?
For the Falcons, this move fully commits the franchise to the Michael Penix Jr. era. The team has now endured eight consecutive seasons without a playoff appearance, and the hope is that Penix, once fully healthy, can be the long-term answer they've desperately sought.
For Kirk Cousins, a four-time Pro Bowler, the search for a new team for his 15th NFL season begins. While his time in Atlanta didn't go as planned, his late-season performance proved he can still contribute. He now enters free agency as one of the most experienced quarterbacks available, likely seeking a situation where he can compete for a starting job or provide high-level mentorship. The Falcons' decision closes one chapter abruptly, but it opens another intriguing storyline for the upcoming NFL offseason.
