After missing the playoffs for the eighth consecutive season, the Atlanta Falcons are making changes. First, they replaced former general manager Terry Fontenot with Ian Cunningham. Raheem Morris was then let go, and Kevin Stefanski, a former Cleveland Browns head coach, was hired.
Now, they are addressing their quarterback controversy by releasing Kirk Cousins.
Falcons Erasing Kirk Cousins’ $67.9 Million Contract off their Books
ESPN’s Adam Schefter first reported that the Falcons will release the four-time Pro Bowler before the 2026 NFL league year starts. This development affirms the Falcons’ intentions following the restructuring of Cousins’ contract last month.
Cousins and the Falcons restructured the final two years of a four-year, $180 million contract. His 2026 base salary dropped from $35 million to $2.1 million, and the remaining $32.9 million was added to his 2027 base salary.
While Kirk Cousins could earn $67.9 million in 2027, he can only get that money if he remains on the Falcons’ roster once the 2026 league year starts on March 11 at 4 p.m. Eastern Time. Likewise, getting rid of Cousins’ contract increases the Falcons’ cap space, currently estimated at $26.4 million based on the projected $303 million salary cap.
Cousins played in ten games last season, including eight starts. He completed 61.7 percent of his throws for 1,721 yards, ten touchdowns, and five interceptions. The Falcons had a 5-3 record in Cousins’ starts last season.
Getting released before the 2026 league year will make Kirk Cousins a free agent. He will be available to sign for any team that needs his services. Conversely, retirement is also an option, and he seems to have started the next phase of his career by dabbling as a CBS Sports panelist.
Kirk Cousins’ Release Is Michael Penix Jr.’s Gain
With Cousins poised to leave, the Falcons are doubling down on incoming third-year player Michael Penix Jr. However, the Falcons haven’t committed to the former Washington standout being their outright starter for 2026. Penix’s injury should make the Falcons cautiously optimistic for his return.
Penix injured his left knee in their Week 11 game against the Carolina Panthers on November 16. The following day, he was placed on injured reserve due to what eventually became a torn ACL injury that required season-ending surgery.
While Penix declared that he will be available to play by the team’s 2026 season opener, Falcons president of football Matt Ryan said that they will have more discussions about the team’s roster next season. Penix played nine games in 2025, finishing with a 60.1 completion percentage for 1,982 yards, nine touchdowns, and three interceptions. The Falcons went 3-6 during the games he started.
Fontenot’s decision during the 2024 NFL draft will forever link Kirk Cousins and Michael Penix Jr. The Falcons defied the predictions by selecting Penix eighth overall, despite signing Cousins to a massive contract. He was the fourth quarterback taken in the opening round behind Caleb Williams, Jayden Daniels, and Drake Maye.
After the selection, there’s this viral scene in which Falcons owner Arthur Blank seemed to have asked Fontenot the wisdom behind selecting Penix.
