Falcons Expected To Release Veteran Kirk Cousins In March

Kirk Cousins‘ tenure with the Atlanta Falcons is coming to an end as the veteran quarterback is expected to be released when the free-agent signing period begins in March.

Falcons general manager Ian Cunningham announced the news on Tuesday during a local radio interview, adding that he has already informed Cousins and his agent of the decision.

Cousins, 37, was the team’s backup quarterback to begin the year last season but took over as the starter when second-year quarterback Michael Penix Jr. suffered a season-ending injury. In his time as the starter, Cousins threw for 1,471 yards and 10 touchdowns, showing his tank isn’t empty just yet.

The Falcons went 5-2 with Cousins, missing the playoffs by one game.

Cousins will have plenty of suitors who are looking for a veteran quarterback to provide stability or as a backup quarterback for a team that already has a younger quarterback.

The Falcons signed Cousins in 2024 after he tore his Achilles tendon the previous season with the Vikings. After signing Cousins, the Falcons drafted Penix with their first-round pick, causing confusion about why they had signed Cousins. Cousins was later benched that season in favor of the rookie after struggling in the new system.

Cousins will be heading into his 13th season in the NFL and has put together a career to be proud of, totaling just under 45,000 passing yards and throwing 298 touchdowns.

It is yet to be seen what teams will show interest in Cousins, but his strong finish to the 2025 season showed teams he still has some juice in his arm.