The Atlanta Falcons officially released veteran quarterback Kirk Cousins as the new NFL league year began, marking a major shift for the franchise’s quarterback position heading into the 2026 season. The move had been expected for weeks after team leadership signaled earlier in the offseason that Cousins would be let go once the league calendar reset.
Falcons general manager Ian Cunningham had previously indicated at the NFL Combine that the team planned to part ways with Cousins. Once the league year officially opened on March 11, the move became official, allowing the veteran quarterback to enter free agency and explore opportunities with other teams.
Cousins joined Atlanta in 2024 on a four-year, $180 million contract after leaving the Minnesota Vikings, but his tenure with the Falcons was short-lived. Injuries, inconsistent performances, and the rise of younger quarterbacks led to changes in the team’s plans. At one point he was benched in favor of rookie quarterback Michael Penix Jr. during the 2024 season as the team evaluated its future at the position.
Financial considerations also played a role in the decision. The Falcons designated Cousins as a post-June 1 release, a move that allows the organization to spread the salary-cap impact over multiple seasons. Even after the release, the team will still carry significant dead-money charges tied to his contract in 2026 and 2027.
Atlanta is now expected to reshape its quarterback room moving forward. Reports suggest the Falcons are exploring new options, including potentially bringing in another veteran quarterback to compete while Penix continues to recover and develop for the future.
Cousins, who is entering his 15th NFL season, will now test the free-agent market as he looks to continue his career with a new team.
(Photo by Rich von Biberstein/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
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