The Atlanta Falcons quarterback depth chart does not resemble who makes the most at the position in a situation that belies logic and ample salary cap management
17:25 ET, 10 Mar 2026
Michael Penix Jr
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Kirk Cousins and Michael Penix Jr. were the two Falcons' quarterbacks in 2025(Image: Getty Images)
Neither of the top two quarterbacks atop the Atlanta Falcons' depth chart is the team's highest earner at the position: that honor belongs to Kirk Cousins.
Cousins, 37, is likely to be released on March 11 (the start of the new league year). He only lasted two years into a gigantic four-year, $180 million contract signed ahead of the 2024 season.
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The newly-signed Tua Tagovailoa (minimum $1.3 million) and 2024 first-round pick Michael Penix Jr ($7.3 million in the third year of his rookie deal) are expected to compete for the Falcons' starting job under new coach Kevin Stefanski.
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Despite being released — Cousins is among the top unsigned quarterback options on the free agent market — the former Falcons signal caller is being paid $22.5 million in 2026 and $12.5 million in 2027 by his old employers.
"I did talk to Kirk and his representation, Mike McCartney, letting them know that we will release him on the first day of the league year," Atlanta general manager Ian Cunningham said in February.
Kirk Cousins
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Cousins lasted two years with the Falcons(Image: Getty Images)
"We just felt that that was out of respect for Kirk and Mike, his agent, and what he's done in his career, just that we owe that to him to allow him some clarity going into free agency."
Cousins started the 2025 season as Penix's backup but took over after the young quarterback tore his Achilles. The veteran righted a 3-6 team with an impressive 5-2 finish.
Tua Tagovailoa
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Tua Tagovailoa is a candidate to start next year for the Falcons(Image: Getty Images)
Tagovailoa was available for so cheaply following his release by the Miami Dolphins. He signed a $112 million extension with the team in 2024, but it lasted just one year into the deal.
Releasing the former fifth overall pick costs the Dolphins $99 million in dead money, likely to be spread out over two seasons. Their unequestioned starter since 2021, Tagovailoa, was benched after 14 games in 2025.
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Like Penix, Tagovailoa is also a lefty. The quick-release specialist was one of the NFL's best quarterbacks in 2022 and 2023 under coach Mike McDaniel, but took a major step back the last two seasons.
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Penix went 3-6 as a starter last year, throwing for 1,932 yards with a 9-3 touchdown-interception ratio and a 57.2 QBR. He's a specialist at outbreaking routes while struggling to throw over the middle.
ESPN's Mina Kimes joked on her podcast that Atlanta would have a superstar quarterback if the team could combine the strengths of its top two options.