Published on Feb. 24, 2026
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The Atlanta Falcons are expected to release veteran quarterback Kirk Cousins ahead of the new league year due to financial concerns, despite Cousins’ solid performance filling in for the injured Michael Penix Jr. last season. The Falcons signed Cousins to a four-year, $180 million contract in 2024, but they may look to move on from the 37-year-old quarterback as they evaluate their options at the position, including the development of 2024 first-round pick Penix.
Why it matters
The Falcons’ decision to release Cousins could have significant implications for the team’s quarterback situation moving forward. While Penix showed promise, his inconsistency and injury history raise questions about his long-term viability as the franchise’s starter. The Falcons may need to explore other options, either through free agency or the draft, to solidify their quarterback position and build a contending team.
The details
Cousins filled in admirably for the Falcons after Penix suffered a season-ending injury, going 5-3 as a starter. However, with $35 million in dead money counting against their 2026 cap after cutting Cousins, the Falcons may decide to move on from the veteran quarterback. New head coach Kevin Stefanski has not publicly committed to Penix as the starter, and the team could look to add another veteran to compete with the young quarterback.
In 2024, the Falcons signed Cousins to a four-year, $180 million contract.In 2025, Penix was sidelined by an ACL injury, forcing Cousins back into action.Cousins is expected to be released by the Falcons before the start of the new league year on March 11, 2026.
The players
Kirk Cousins
A 37-year-old veteran quarterback who filled in admirably for the Falcons in 2025 after Michael Penix Jr. suffered a season-ending injury.
Michael Penix Jr.
The Falcons’ 2024 first-round pick, who struggled with inconsistency and injuries in his first full season as the team’s starting quarterback.
Kevin Stefanski
The new head coach of the Atlanta Falcons, who has not publicly committed to Penix as the team’s starting quarterback moving forward.
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What they’re saying
“Cousins, 37, restructured his deal with the Falcons to set up a cut ahead of free agency, and Atlanta will have $35 million in dead money counting against their 2026 cap after cutting him.”
— Greg Auman, Fox Sports reporter (Fox Sports)
“He played well when he filled in for Michael Penix following the second-year quarterback’s season-ending knee injury, going 5-3 and throwing 10 touchdowns against five interceptions. So, he bounced back after leading the NFL with 16 picks in 2024.”
— Greg Auman, Fox Sports reporter (Fox Sports)
What’s next
The Falcons will need to decide whether to commit to Penix as their starting quarterback or explore other options, either through free agency or the draft, to solidify the position. The team’s decision on Cousins’ future will be a key factor in their quarterback plans for the 2026 season.
The takeaway
The Falcons’ decision to release the $180 million quarterback Kirk Cousins highlights the team’s ongoing evaluation of their quarterback situation and the need to find a long-term solution at the position. The development of Michael Penix Jr. and the team’s ability to address the quarterback position effectively will be crucial to the Falcons’ success in the coming seasons.