The Kirk Cousins saga in Atlanta seems to be nearing its end. Cousins spent the last two seasons with the Falcons as their starting quarterback and later as the backup to starter Michael Penix Jr.
Now that Cousins won’t be a Falcon much longer, what’s next for their quarterback room?
Kirk Cousins’ Release Signals Change in Atlanta’s Quarterback Plans
Tori McElhaney of the team’s official site reported that the Falcons intend to release Cousins on March 11, when the new league year begins, per new general manager Ian Cunningham. Cunningham also said he spoke with Cousins and his representatives and that the decision to release him was made “out of respect.”
Cousins joined Atlanta after several seasons with the Minnesota Vikings. He signed a four-year, $180 million deal in March 2024, which included $100 million in guaranteed money.
Cousins agreed to a contract restructure at the start of the offseason, lowering his 2026 salary to $2.1 million while increasing his 2027 salary to $67.9 million in vested guarantees.
Now, Cousins is set to leave the Falcons’ roster. So what does this mean for Atlanta’s quarterback room in 2026?
With Cousins departing, the Falcons must evaluate their quarterback options for 2026. Penix Jr. remains on the roster but will be sidelined for an extended period as he recovers from a torn ACL.
Rumors suggest Atlanta could target Green Bay Packers quarterback Malik Willis, who impressed in Jordan Love’s absence this season by throwing for 422 yards, 3 touchdowns, and 0 interceptions in four games.
Currently, the Falcons’ roster lists quarterbacks Easton Stick, Penix Jr., and Kirk Cousins, pending Cousins’ release.
“If it’s the more tepid strategy, Kirk Cousins, Geno Smith, that’s where my mind goes for sure.”@alec_lewis on potential veteran options at QB for the #Vikings, via the Athletic Football Show pic.twitter.com/dlxRBOe4mi
— VikingzFanPage (@vikingzfanpage) February 25, 2026
Cousins started strong in 2024, highlighted by a Week 5 win over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, 36-30 in overtime.
In that game, Cousins threw for 509 yards and 4 touchdowns with one interception. Later that season, however, he was injured and benched in favor of the rookie Penix Jr.
Penix Jr. finished the 2024 season as the starter and held the role in 2025, though injuries sidelined him at times. Cousins stepped in when Penix Jr. tore his ACL in Week 11 against the Carolina Panthers, ending Penix’s season. Cousins showed flashes of his Minnesota form, winning games against the Saints, Buccaneers, and others, but Atlanta still missed the playoffs.
