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Falcons GM announces the obvious with Kirk Cousins

Originally posted on SportsTalkATL | By Chase Irle | Last updated Feb 24, 2026 10:19 AM ET

When the Falcons announced a restructured contract with quarterback Kirk Cousins, it essentially guaranteed he would be released prior to the new league year. If he had remained on the roster past that point, it would have guaranteed him another $67.9 million, which the Falcons were never going to let happen.

“As part of the restructure, there is now a guarantee in the amount of $67.9 million for the 2027 season that vests on March 13,” Yates reports.“Given the highly unlikely nature that the Falcons or any team that would acquire Cousins via a trade prior to March 13 would want to be on the hook for that $67.9 million, a decision on Cousins’ future could come prior to that date.”

Though it hasn’t been made official yet, new Falcons GM Ian Cunningham revealed the obvious today, saying Cousins will be released on the first day of the new league year.

#Falcons GM Ian Cunningham confirmed on @929TheGame that Kirk Cousins will be released in March on the first day of the new league year, making him a free agent.

Cousins earned $100M during his two seasons with Atlanta. pic.twitter.com/gFKAXXBl8p

— Ari Meirov (@MySportsUpdate) February 24, 2026

Now, this doesn’t necessarily mean Kirk Cousins’ time with the Falcons is finished. Atlanta could theoretically bring him back via free agency if the price is right. Although, I’m not sure either party is going to be too eager to continue this relationship.

The Falcons’ sole focus should be figuring out the future of the quarterback position. Kirk Cousins is not that, and holding out hope that he could maybe help the team win 10 games in the twilight of his career does nothing toward reaching their ultimate goal.

From Cousins’ perspective, why would he have any interest in returning to the organization that drafted his successor before he even played a game? Some might point to his prior relationship with Kevin Stefanski and the fact that this is an entirely new regime that had nothing to do with that process, but that doesn’t change the fact that it is the same situation — one where Penix is going to receive the benefit of the doubt over Cousins every day of the week.

Unless Cousins simply cannot find another suitor — which would be telling in and of itself — there’s probably not a world where he returns to Atlanta. It is best for both parties to just move on.

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This article first appeared on SportsTalkATL and was syndicated with permission.

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