The Atlanta Falcons are preparing to release quarterback Kirk Cousins at the start of the new league year on March 11, according to general manager Ian Cunningham. Cunningham said in an interview with 92.9 The Game that he had discussed the decision with Cousins and his representatives, noting it was made “out of respect” for the veteran quarterback.
Cousins joined the Falcons in March 2024 after six seasons with the Minnesota Vikings, where he earned three Pro Bowl selections. He signed with Atlanta while recovering from an Achilles injury that ended his 2023 season early. The team sought stability at quarterback, and Cousins was named starter for the 2024 season.
Shortly after signing Cousins, Atlanta drafted Penix eighth overall in the NFL Draft, intending for him to learn as a backup behind Cousins. The Falcons began their 2024 campaign strongly under Cousins’ leadership, including a notable Monday Night Football win in Philadelphia and a franchise-record-setting performance against Tampa Bay in Week 5.
However, following those early successes, Cousins struggled. He went four consecutive games without throwing a touchdown pass—a first in his career—and threw four interceptions during a loss to the Los Angeles Chargers. After a victory over Las Vegas ended a losing streak, head coach Raheem Morris announced that Penix would take over as starting quarterback for the remainder of the season.
Cousins finished the 2024 season completing nearly 67% of his passes for 3,508 yards, with 18 touchdowns and 16 interceptions.
In offseason discussions ahead of 2025, team officials indicated they were comfortable retaining Cousins as Penix’s backup. At mandatory minicamp in June, Cousins acknowledged this role: “Michael is going to do great,” he said. “He’s going to have a great career. He’s off to a great start. He’s got all the tangibles and intangibles you need to be successful.
“I’m just here to support him as he needs it. But I also don’t need to be in his ear so much that I’m sort of another weight, another voice. I just want to be a support as I can, and he knows that.”
He also stated during the season: “I can be a starter in this league.”
When Penix suffered a knee injury midway through the 2025 season, Cousins returned as starter and led Atlanta on a four-game winning streak to close out the year. Over eight starts (ten games played), he completed about 62% of passes for 1,721 yards with ten touchdowns and five interceptions.
Earlier this offseason, Cousins agreed with Atlanta on restructuring his contract—reducing his base salary for 2026 but not affecting guaranteed money already owed. This move created significant future guarantees if he remained on roster past March 13 of next year.
Speaking recently at Super Bowl Radio Row with Front Office Sports about what comes next for him professionally, Cousins said: “I’ll keep an open mind…I want to play. I feel really rejuvenated…Even though we didn’t make the playoffs, we were able to win the last four games…(I) really have a joy playing…”
With this move official when free agency opens next month, both sides will look toward their respective futures—Cousins entering free agency and Atlanta seeking quarterbacks alongside Penix for their roster heading into next season.
The Atlanta Falcons are based in Atlanta and compete in the NFC South division of the NFL since joining as an expansion team in 1965. The franchise has reached two Super Bowls—in both 1998 and again in 2016.
