Atlanta Falcons general manager Ian Cunningham says quarterback Kirk Cousins will be released on the first day of the new NFL league year, bringing an expected end to the veteran’s short spell with the franchise.
Speaking on Atlanta radio station 92.9 The Game, Cunningham confirmed he had already informed Cousins and his agent, Mike McCartney, of the decision.
“We won’t re-sign Kirk,” Cunningham said when asked whether there was any scenario in which the 37-year-old could return on a reduced salary.
The move had appeared increasingly likely following a contract restructure earlier this year. Adjustments to the deal guaranteed significant future money and created a financial incentive for the Falcons to move on before it vested.
Cousins’ time in Atlanta has been fractured from the outset. The Falcons selected quarterback Michael Penix Jr. in the draft only weeks after signing the veteran, a decision that surprised many around the league and signalled a long-term plan beyond Cousins.
After recovering from a torn Achilles suffered in 2023, Cousins began the 2024 campaign strongly and helped Atlanta to a 6-3 start.
However, an arm injury disrupted his form and he endured a difficult stretch that included nine interceptions across five games. He was eventually benched late in the season as the organisation committed to Penix as its future starter.
Cousins returned fit in 2025, but the direction of travel had already been set and there was no genuine training-camp competition.
When Penix later tore his ACL in Week 11, Cousins resumed starting duties and finished the year with a four-game winning run. Across the season he completed 61.7% of his passes for 1,721 yards, throwing 10 touchdowns and five interceptions.
Overall, Atlanta went 5-3 in games Cousins started in 2025 compared with 3-6 in Penix’s starts, yet the franchise’s long-term planning remained unchanged.
A 14-year NFL veteran and former Pro Bowl selection, Cousins now enters free agency ahead of the new league year, where he is expected to attract interest from teams seeking an experienced starting quarterback or a short-term bridge option.
