Kirk Cousins could be option for Bucs' backup QB job
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Kirk Cousins could be option for Bucs' backup QB job
The Atlanta Falcons‘ General Manager Ian Cunningham has informed Kirk Cousins that he will be released on the first day of the league year.
Marc Raimondi
Cunningham says he spoke with Kirk Cousins and his agent recently and told them the plan was to release Cousins the first day of the league year. #Falcons
According to a Marc Raimondi X post, Cunningham spoke to Cousins and his agent and informed them that Cousins will be released.
“Cunningham said in the radio interview that he spoke with Cousins and his agent, Mike McCartney, about the decision, which does not come as a big surprise considering Cousins’ contract restructure several months ago. The first day of the league year is March 11.” Raimondi wrote in an ESPN article.
All signs were pointing to a Kirk Cousins release after the season. Now, the former starting quarterback will enter his next chapter.
The Atlanta Falcons Could Save Cap Space With Release
Ian Cunningham was asked if there was a possibility about bringing back Cousins at a lower salary point. According to ESPN, Cunningham stated that was not a possibility.
“In early January, ESPN’s Field Yates reported that the previous Falcons regime restructured Cousins’ contract, guaranteeing $67.9 million for 2027, a figure that would have vested March 13. That wrinkle made Cousins being cut likely.” Raimondi wrote. “The restructure reduced Cousins’ 2026 base salary from a nonguaranteed $35 million to $2.1 million. The deal didn’t impact any of Cousins’ guaranteed money, just split the existing agreed-upon dollars.”
After restructuring the deal, the Falcons could possibly save some cap space by the release coming on March 11.
“If the Falcons release Cousins next month with a June 1 designation, they would save $2.1 million in salary cap. The dead money would be $22.5 million in 2026 and $12.5 million in 2027, per Spotrac.” Raimondi wrote.
The Atlanta Falcons’ Quarterback Issues
Overall, the Atlanta Falcons continue to have quarterback problems. The quarterback position still remains a question mark despite having great talent around them.
With Cousins being released and Michael Penix Jr.’s health in question, many are asking who the starting quarterback will be in 2026. Penix is still recovering from a partially torn ACL but has stated he expects to be ready by Week 1 in 2026.
“Cousins, a 14-year veteran, returned healthy in 2025, but the Falcons had already made up their minds that Penix was their quarterback. There was no competition in training camp. Raimondi wrote. “Penix tore his left ACL in Week 11, and Cousins started the rest of the way, including a four-game winning streak to close the season. The Falcons’ record in Cousins’ starts was 5-3, and their record in Penix’s starts was 3-6.”
Over his two years in Atlanta, Penix has gone 4-8 as a starter. Overall, Penix has completed 59.6 percent of his passes for 2,757 yards, 12 touchdowns and six interceptions. In 2025, Penix completed 60.1% of his passes for 1,982 yards in nine games last season with nine touchdowns and three interceptions.
“In 2025, Cousins completed 61.7% of his passes for 1,721 yards with 10 touchdowns and five interceptions. His 47.6 QBR tied him at 22nd in the league with Bryce Young.” Raimondi wrote.
With Kirk Cousins’ fate sealed, does this mean that Penix will be the starter in 2026? Will Atlanta draft a quarterback in the draft? We’ll have to wait and see.