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Falcons Set to Release Kirk Cousins Amid QB Search

2/8/2026

27 3 Full Breakdown

Summary

Story summary

According to ESPN's Adam Schefter, Atlanta Falcons plan to release Kirk Cousins before the new league year.
The move cuts Cousins' 2026 base salary to $2.1 million and pushes $32.9 million to 2027.
Cousins, 37, led the league in interceptions in 2024 and finished 2025 with 10 touchdowns and five interceptions.
His release enables free agency or retirement as the Falcons seek quarterback depth with Penix recovering from torn ACL.

History

Historical Context

In 2011, the NFL implemented a new collective bargaining agreement (CBA) that established a salary cap of $120.375 million per team, allowing for strategic salary management. This agreement followed a contentious labor dispute, where players, led by stars like Tom Brady, filed an antitrust suit against the league. The CBA, effective through 2021, also improved player benefits and safety measures.

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Story summary

According to ESPN's Adam Schefter, Atlanta Falcons plan to release Kirk Cousins before the new league year.
The move cuts Cousins' 2026 base salary to $2.1 million and pushes $32.9 million to 2027.
Cousins, 37, led the league in interceptions in 2024 and finished 2025 with 10 touchdowns and five interceptions.
His release enables free agency or retirement as the Falcons seek quarterback depth with Penix recovering from torn ACL.

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