The Atlanta Falcons are preparing to move on from veteran quarterback Kirk Cousins, with general manager Ian Cunningham confirming that the team will release him on March 11, the opening day of the 2026 NFL league year.
Cunningham shared that he personally informed Cousins and his agent, Mike McCartney, of the decision ahead of time, calling it a matter of professional courtesy. “I did talk to Kirk and his representation, Mike McCartney, letting them know that we will release him on the first day of the league year,” Cunningham said. “We just felt that that was out of respect for Kirk and Mike, his agent, and what’s he’s done in his career, just that we owe that to him to allow him some clarity going into free agency.”
The move had been widely anticipated. Cousins signed a four-year, $180 million contract with Atlanta in 2024, but the deal was restructured earlier this year. That adjustment reduced his 2026 base salary from $35 million to $2.1 million while keeping his guaranteed money intact. It also set up the likelihood of a release before a significant 2027 guarantee — $67.9 million — would have taken effect in mid-March. If the Falcons designate the transaction as a post–June 1 cut, they would clear $2.1 million in cap space, though they would carry $22.5 million in dead money in 2026 and $12.5 million in 2027.
Just weeks after signing Cousins, the Falcons selected quarterback Michael Penix Jr. in the first round of the draft. Coming off a torn Achilles suffered during his final year with the Minnesota Vikings, Cousins helped Atlanta to a 6-3 start in 2024 before injuries and inconsistency derailed momentum. A five-game stretch that included nine interceptions led to him being benched late that season as the organization shifted its focus to Penix.
Across 14 starts in 2024, Cousins posted a 66.9% completion rate with 3,508 yards, 18 touchdowns and 16 interceptions. In 2025, the team had committed to Penix as its long-term answer. However, when Penix tore his ACL in Week 11, Cousins stepped back into the starting role and closed the year strong. Over the final seven games, he threw for 1,471 yards with 10 touchdowns and five interceptions, guiding Atlanta to a 5-2 record during that stretch. Overall in 2025, he completed 61.7% of his passes for 1,721 yards, finishing with a 47.6 QBR — tied for 22nd in the league alongside Bryce Young. Meanwhile, Penix is progressing in his rehab and is reportedly on schedule in his recovery, though questions remain about who will open the 2026 season as Atlanta’s starter.
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