Falcons Inform Kirk Cousins of Release as NFL Free Agency Nears

The Atlanta Falcons have officially turned the page on the very brief and bizarre Kirk Cousins era.

At the 2026 NFL Combine in Indianapolis, The Athletic’s Josh Kendall reported that the Atlanta Falcons are releasing veteran quarterback Kirk Cousins. The move ends a short and turbulent chapter in Atlanta.

Atlanta signed Cousins to a four-year, $180 million contract in 2024 to stabilize the franchise at quarterback. Then came Michael Penix Jr. in the first round of the 2024 NFL Draft.

Now, the Falcons reset the position and their financial structure.

Cousins’ contract carried significant cap implications. Releasing him on the first day of the new league year creates flexibility, even if it comes with dead money.

"The Falcons’ restructured contract with Kirk Cousins forced a decision by Friday, March 13, which is the third day of the league year," NFL Network's Mike Garafolo tweeted. "New Atlanta GM Ian Cunningham says Cousins won’t have to wait that long and will be free March 11."

Cousins’ 2025 season in Atlanta never found a steady rhythm. He finished the year completing 61.7% of his passes for 1,721 yards with 10 touchdowns and five interceptions, producing an 84.8 passer rating after stepping in for an injured Penix.

In 2024, Kirk Cousins delivered a nearly full season of volume but inconsistent results. He completed 66.9% of his passes for 3,508 yards with 18 touchdowns and 16 interceptions, finishing with an 88.6 passer rating. The Falcons went 7-7 in his 14 starts, falling way short of the expectations that came along with his contract.

Atlanta's decision also reinforces its commitment to its younger direction at quarterback. The Falcons no longer operate in a transitional gray area. They are choosing a path, and it appears to be Penix.

The NFL Scouting Combine often becomes the stage for pivotal announcements. Executives meet with agents and map out salary cap strategy. Atlanta’s decision did not leak quietly. It landed publicly in Indianapolis.

From a roster-building perspective, the release reshapes Atlanta’s offseason priorities. The Falcons can redirect cap space toward edge rush, secondary help, or offensive line reinforcements.

The NFL quarterback market also shifts.

Cousins now becomes one of the most experienced passers available entering free agency. Teams seeking veteran stability will certainly be interested in a player with his resume of success and experience.

For Atlanta, however, the message is simple. The Falcons are moving forward.

Atlanta’s offseason began with clarity. Now the pressure shifts to execution.