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Kirk Cousins’ time with the Atlanta Falcons is almost over.
Team general manager Ian Cunningham told reporters Tuesday that the team will release the veteran quarterback once the new league year officially begins next month.
Cunningham said he had already informed Cousins of the team’s decision.
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Kirk Cousins of the Atlanta Falcons warms up before a game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Raymond James Stadium on December 11, 2025 in Tampa, Florida. (Julio Aguilar/Getty Images)
“I just thought it was out of respect for Kirk. What he’s done in his career, I owe that to him. We owe that to him to allow him to have some clarity before he hits free agency,” Cunningham said Tuesday at the NFL Scouting Combine.
Cousins went to the Falcons two years ago after the Minnesota Vikings decided it was time to move on, drafting JJ McCarthy and signing Sam Darnold. Cousins signed a four-year, $180 million contract, with $100 million guaranteed.
Atlanta Falcons quarterback Kirk Cousins (18) passes against the New Orleans Saints during the first half at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. (Dale Zanine/Imagn Images)
However, the marriage was already sour when, about a month after signing Cousins, the Falcons were the biggest shocks of that year’s NFL draft and selected quarterback Michael Penix Jr. with the eighth overall pick.
Cousins struggled in his first season, prompting the team to join Penix earlier than expected. Penix was then the starter this year, while Cousins was the backup.
Penix was injured this season with a partial torn ACL, which allowed Cousins to play 10 games, starting eight. In his 24 games under center with the Falcons, Cousins threw 28 touchdowns and 21 interceptions with a 65.0 completion percentage for 5,229 yards.
Atlanta Falcons quarterback Kirk Cousins leaves the field after an NFL football game against the Minnesota Vikings, Sunday, Dec. 8, 2024, in Minneapolis. (AP Photo/Abbie Parr)
Maybe, though, the Falcons aren’t concerned about Penix’s knee, even though it’s the third time he’s suffered such an injury.
