Falcons Release Veteran QB Kirk Cousins

Cousins, 37, is now a free agent after 2 seasons in Atlanta

Mar. 11, 2026 at 8:07pm

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The Atlanta Falcons have released veteran quarterback Kirk Cousins just 2 years into his 4-year, $180 million contract. Cousins, 37, struggled during his first season with the team in 2024, throwing 18 touchdowns and a league-leading 16 interceptions before being benched. He rebounded in 2025, putting up solid numbers in 10 games, but suffered a season-ending knee injury. With the Falcons signing Tua Tagovailoa in free agency, the team has decided to move on from Cousins, making him a free agent once again.

Why it matters

Cousins' release is a surprising move, as the Falcons made him one of the highest-paid quarterbacks in the league just 2 years ago. It highlights the team's desire to move in a new direction at the position, with 2024 first-round pick Michael Penix Jr. and the newly-signed Tagovailoa now set to compete for the starting job. For Cousins, the move puts the veteran quarterback back on the open market, where he'll have to compete with several other veteran passers for a starting role.

The details

The Falcons signed Cousins to a 4-year, $180 million contract in 2024, but he struggled mightily in his first season, throwing 18 touchdowns and a league-high 16 interceptions. He was benched late in the year in favor of rookie Michael Penix Jr. Cousins rebounded in 2025, throwing for 1,721 yards, 10 touchdowns and 5 interceptions in 10 games before suffering a season-ending knee injury. With the Falcons signing Tua Tagovailoa in free agency, the team has decided to move on from Cousins, making him a free agent.

  • The Falcons signed Cousins to a 4-year, $180 million contract in 2024.
  • In the 2024 season, Cousins struggled, throwing 18 touchdowns and a league-high 16 interceptions.
  • In 2025, Cousins put up solid numbers in 10 games, throwing for 1,721 yards, 10 touchdowns and 5 interceptions before suffering a season-ending knee injury.
  • On March 11, 2026, the Falcons released Cousins, making him a free agent.

The players

Kirk Cousins

A 37-year-old veteran quarterback who was released by the Atlanta Falcons after 2 seasons with the team.

Michael Penix Jr.

The Falcons' 2024 first-round draft pick, who started games for the team in 2024 after Cousins was benched.

Tua Tagovailoa

A veteran quarterback who the Falcons signed to a 1-year deal during the 2026 free agency period.

Ian Cunningham

The new general manager of the Atlanta Falcons.

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What’s next

Cousins will now look to sign with another team and compete for a starting quarterback job, though he may have to settle for a backup role given the number of veteran passers on the free agent market.

The takeaway

Cousins' release highlights the Falcons' desire to move in a new direction at quarterback, with younger options like Michael Penix Jr. and Tua Tagovailoa now set to compete for the starting job. For the 37-year-old Cousins, the move puts him back on the open market, where he'll have to prove he still has something left in the tank to secure another starting opportunity.