Report: Falcons expected to move on from Cousins after season
The Atlanta Falcons are expected to release quarterback Kirk Cousins before March 17 when his $10-million roster bonus for the 2026 season is due, sources told Adam Schefter of ESPN.
The veteran signal-caller signed a four-year, $180-million contract with a no-trade clause in March. It's widely expected across the league that the Falcons won't be able to trade Cousins and will be forced to cut him, Schefter reports.
Atlanta benched the 36-year-old earlier this week after Cousins went 1-4 with one touchdown and nine interceptions in his last five contests. Cousins' 88.6 passer rating in 14 games is his worst since becoming a full-time starter in 2015.
Cousins is scheduled to carry a $40-million cap hit in 2025, according to Over The Cap. He spent six seasons with the Minnesota Vikings before landing in Atlanta last offseason.
Michael Penix, who the Falcons drafted eighth overall this year, will get his first career start Sunday against the New York Giants. Penix finished second in Heisman voting behind Jayden Daniels in 2023 and led Washington to the national championship after throwing for 4,903 yards with 36 touchdowns and 11 interceptions.
Atlanta's passing offense ranks 29th in EPA/dropback over the last five weeks. The Falcons will face a Giants pass defense that sits 26th in dropback success rate through 14 games, according to Ben Baldwin's database.
The Falcons are 7-7 and just one game back of the NFC South-leading Tampa Bay Buccaneers.