Full Breakdown
Kirk Cousins' Future with the Atlanta Falcons in Question
1/30/2026, 9:57:34 PM
Falcons Prepare to Release Kirk Cousins
The Atlanta Falcons are expected to release quarterback Kirk Cousins in early March 2026, following a restructuring of his contract that would require the team to pay him $68 million if he remains on the roster past March 13. Cousins, who joined the Falcons in 2024 on a four-year, $180 million deal, has seen his role diminish significantly, particularly after the team selected quarterback Michael Penix Jr. with the eighth overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft. Penix took over as the starting quarterback, leading to Cousins being benched late in the 2024 season. Despite this, Cousins returned to the starting role in 2025 after Penix suffered a season-ending ACL injury, completing 61.7% of his passes for 1,721 yards, 10 touchdowns, and five interceptions over eight starts.
Background on Cousins' Tenure with the Falcons
Cousins' time with the Falcons has been marked by ups and downs. Initially, his arrival was seen as a promising move for the franchise, but his performance has not met expectations. Over two seasons, he has accumulated 5,229 passing yards, 28 touchdowns, and 21 interceptions, resulting in an 87.2 passer rating. The Falcons finished the 2025 season with an 8-9 record, continuing a trend of underperformance since their last winning season in 2017.
Potential for a Return
Despite the impending release, reports indicate that the Falcons may be open to re-signing Cousins at a reduced salary if he does not secure a better opportunity with another team. New head coach Kevin Stefanski, who previously worked with Cousins during their time together with the Minnesota Vikings, has expressed a willingness to discuss Cousins' future, although he has not committed to any specific plans. “Obviously, I have a previous relationship with Kirk, but I don’t know if it’s the time yet to talk about all those types of things,” Stefanski stated.
Criticism and Future Options
Critics of Cousins point to his declining performance and the team's need for a more reliable starting quarterback as reasons for his release. If the Falcons do part ways with Cousins, they will need to explore options in free agency, where potential candidates include Daniel Jones, Russell Wilson, Joe Flacco, Carson Wentz, and Aaron Rodgers.
What's Next for Cousins?
Should Cousins fail to find a suitable offer, he may consider retirement or transition into a media role, as he has already made appearances on CBS's "The NFL Today." His future remains uncertain as the NFL offseason approaches, with teams evaluating their quarterback situations and making strategic decisions ahead of the new league year.
Verbatim Quotes
- “Obviously, I have a previous relationship with Kirk, but I don’t know if it’s the time yet to talk about all those types of things,” — Kevin Stefanski, Head Coach, Atlanta Falcons
This evolving situation highlights the complexities of NFL roster management and the challenges faced by veteran players like Cousins as they navigate their careers in a competitive league.
