The Atlanta Falcons finished the 2025 season with an 8-9 record this past season in the NFL. Atlanta missed the playoffs once again and they have not made the playoffs since the 2017 season. The Falcons have already made major changes to the organization, and more could potentially be on the way. One move to potentially watch out for this offseason could be either trading or releasing quarterback Kirk Cousins.
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Jan 4, 2026; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; Atlanta Falcons quarterback Kirk Cousins (18) throws a pass against the New Orleans Saints in the first quarter at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-Imagn Images
There are also questions about whether or not Michael Penix is going to be ready for the start of the 2026 season for Atlanta. Those are some decisions that Matt Ryan, Ian Cunningham, and Kevin Stefanski. If Cousins is released, where could he potentially go this offseason?
Atlanta Falcons Insider Believes Kirk Cousins Could Be Released This Offseason
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Jan 4, 2026; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; Atlanta Falcons quarterback Kirk Cousins (18) throws a pass against the New Orleans Saints in the first quarter at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-Imagn Images
Josh Kendall of the Athletic wrote about one player on the Falcons who could potentially be released this offseason. Cousins could be the one that gets released this offseason. Kendall said,
“If Kirk Cousins’ contract was more forgiving, it would make a lot of sense to bring back the veteran quarterback. There is no guarantee that Michael Penix Jr., who is rehabbingan ACL tear suffered in Week 11last year, will be ready for the season opener. Cousins led the Falcons to four straight wins to end the season and had his best statistical season under new Atlanta head coach Kevin Stefanski in 2019, when Stefanski was the offensive coordinator in Minnesota. However, his four-year deal always was set to swell in his final two seasons (which start this year) and a recent restructure means the Falcons would owe him a $67.9 million bonus if he’s on the roster March 13. It’s impossible to imagine owner Arthur Blank being willing to foot that bill, although it remains possible Cousins could be released and still re-sign in Atlanta if there was little interest elsewhere.”
During the 2025 NFL season, he completed 61.7% of his passes for 1,721 yards, 10 touchdowns, and five interceptions. Cousins is 37 years old. If he was released by Atlanta, there is no doubt some teams may need a bridge quarterback for a season. Teams like the Miami Dolphins, the New York Jets, the Arizona Cardinals, and the Minnesota Vikings could be looking for new signal callers.
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