Story by
Falcons to release QB Kirk Cousins on first day of new league year
- Story by
- Falcons to release QB Kirk Cousins on first day of new league year
The Atlanta Falcons are officially moving forward without quarterback Kirk Cousins in 2026. General manager Ian Cunningham said he spoke with Cousins recently and planned to release the veteran QB next month, ESPN's Marc Raimondi reported on Tuesday.
"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," wrote Raimondi.
Advertisement
Cunningham's words come as no surprise since the Falcons recently altered Cousins' contract to make way for his release. The new league year starts on March 11, with the legal tampering period starting two days prior.
The Falcons signed Cousins to a four-year, $180 million contract during the 2024 offseason. The team got off to a 6-3 start in his first year before he injured his arm against the Saints . Atlanta then went on a four-game losing streak and eventually benched Cousins in Week 17 for rookie Michael Penix Jr.
Penix entered the 2025 season as the starter, with Cousins serving as the backup. Over his two seasons in Atlanta, Cousins has appeared in 24 games (22 starts), and passed for 5,229 yards, 28 touchdowns and 21 interceptions.
This article originally appeared on Falcons Wire: Falcons GM Ian Cunningham says Kirk Cousins will be cut in March
