Atlanta Falcons to Release Veteran QB Kirk Cousins

GM confirms team's plans to move on from Cousins, paving way for Michael Penix Jr. as franchise QB

Feb. 24, 2026 at 3:53pm

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The Atlanta Falcons are preparing to release veteran quarterback Kirk Cousins, general manager Ian Cunningham confirmed on local radio. Cunningham said the team will let Cousins go on the first day of the new NFL league year, avoiding a massive $67.9 million guarantee in Cousins' contract for 2027. The move signals a shift towards 2024 first-round pick Michael Penix Jr. as the Falcons' long-term answer at quarterback.

Why it matters

Cousins joined the Falcons in 2024 on a lucrative deal to stabilize the franchise, but the team drafted Penix in the first round that same year, setting up an eventual transition. After an up-and-down tenure, the Falcons are now ready to fully commit to Penix as their quarterback of the future as they enter a new chapter.

The details

Cunningham said the team had a good conversation with Cousins and his representation, and decided the "timing was right" to let them know the Falcons' plans to release him. Cousins' contract was restructured last year, reducing his 2026 base salary from $35 million to $2.1 million, but the move created a massive $67.9 million guarantee for 2027 that would have locked in on March 13. By releasing Cousins before that date, the Falcons can avoid that guarantee.

  • Falcons plan to release Cousins on the first day of the 2026 NFL league year.
  • Cousins' $67.9 million guarantee for 2027 would have locked in on March 13, 2026.

The players

Ian Cunningham

General manager of the Atlanta Falcons.

Kirk Cousins

Veteran quarterback who joined the Falcons in 2024 on a four-year, $180 million contract.

Michael Penix Jr.

Quarterback drafted by the Falcons in the first round in 2024, seen as the team's long-term answer at the position.

Arthur Blank

Owner of the Atlanta Falcons, who expressed strong confidence in Penix as the franchise's quarterback of the future.

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What they’re saying

“Had a good conversation with Kirk the other day and then Mike, his representation, as well. I let them know that our plan will be to release him the first day of the league year.”

— Ian Cunningham, General Manager, Atlanta Falcons (92.9 The Game)

“I do think Michael is a franchise quarterback.”

— Arthur Blank (Atlanta Falcons)

“I would love to be back here. We'll see how things play out.”

— Kirk Cousins, Quarterback, Atlanta Falcons (Atlanta Falcons)

What’s next

The Falcons will officially release Cousins on the first day of the 2026 NFL league year, allowing him to explore free agency options.

The takeaway

The Falcons' decision to move on from Cousins and fully commit to Michael Penix Jr. as their quarterback of the future signals a new era for the franchise, as they look to build around their young first-round pick and leave behind the Cousins era.