Falcons Expected to Release Kirk Cousins; kirk cousins Will Become Free Agent on March 11

Falcons general manager Ian Cunningham told reporters that the team will release kirk cousins when the 2026 league year begins, a move Cunningham said he had already discussed with Cousins and the quarterback's agent. The timing will add another veteran passer to the free-agent market as teams prepare for the March signing period.

Ian Cunningham announced the move at the NFL Scouting Combine

Cunningham spoke to reporters Tuesday at the NFL Scouting Combine and said the Falcons will release the veteran quarterback once the new league year officially begins next month. He also said he had already told Cousins of the decision. Cunningham said the choice was made "out of respect for Kirk, " adding that he owed Cousins and the team the chance to have clarity going into free agency.

Kirk Cousins' contract and how he arrived in Atlanta

Cousins signed with Atlanta two years ago after the Minnesota Vikings decided to move on, drafting J. J. McCarthy and signing Sam Darnold. He agreed to a four-year, $180 million contract that included $100 million guaranteed. Earlier in his career, Cousins turned in an excellent 12 seasons to start his NFL career, though an Achilles injury in his final season with the Vikings cast doubt on his future; he returned quickly from that injury.

Michael Penix Jr. was drafted a month after Cousins signed, reshaping the depth chart

Roughly a month after Cousins signed, the Falcons selected Michael Penix Jr. with the eighth overall pick. That pick soured the initial marriage between Cousins and the franchise, and Cousins struggled in his first season, prompting the team to move to Penix earlier than expected. Penix was the starter this year while Cousins served as the backup.

Cousins' playing time, recent numbers and photo moments

When Penix suffered a partially torn ACL this season, Cousins stepped in and played in 10 games, starting eight of them. Following Penix's season-ending injury, Cousins started the final seven games of the regular season for Atlanta, throwing for 1, 471 yards, 10 touchdowns and 5 interceptions during those contests. The Falcons went 5-2 with Cousins under center down the stretch, but that record was not enough to push the team into the playoffs.

Across 24 games under center with the Falcons, Cousins threw 28 touchdowns and 21 interceptions, completed 65. 0 percent of his passes and totaled 5, 229 yards. Photographs in team coverage showed Cousins warming up before a game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Raymond James Stadium on Dec. 11, 2025, and walking off the field after a game against the Minnesota Vikings on Dec. 8, 2024, in Minneapolis. Cousins is 37 years old.

Timing, salary-cap reasons and the free-agent landscape

The Falcons will wait until March 11, when the 2026 league year begins, to make the move for salary-cap reasons. Cunningham discussed the decision in a local radio interview and said he had spoken with Cousins and the QB's agent about the plan. Once he becomes available, Cousins will join a free-agent market that already features older veterans such as Aaron Rodgers, Russell Wilson and Joe Flacco; those names could draw interest from teams, though with the exception of Rodgers none of them seems likely to be guaranteed a starting job.

Uncertain role next season for a veteran quarterback

While kirk cousins showed signs of life down the stretch and might still have some ability to help a team win games next season, it is unclear in the provided context whether that will lead to a significant role in 2026. He may have to compete for playing time on his next club.