Falcons to Release Veteran QB Kirk Cousins

Surprising move sets off quarterback shakeup in Atlanta ahead of 2026 NFL season

Apr. 11, 2026 at 12:27pm

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A cubist, geometric painting depicting a fragmented football player in motion, with sharp planes of red, black, and white representing the Atlanta Falcons' team colors.The Falcons' quarterback shakeup sets the stage for a new era of uncertainty and opportunity in Atlanta.Atlanta Today

The Atlanta Falcons are planning to release veteran quarterback Kirk Cousins before the new league year, according to ESPN sources. Cousins, who had a restructured contract with the Falcons, will now become a free agent as the team looks to gain financial flexibility and potentially explore other quarterback options.

Why it matters

Cousins' release opens up the Falcons' quarterback position, with the team's commitment to Michael Penix Jr. still uncertain as he recovers from a torn ACL. The Falcons' new front office, led by president Matt Ryan, remains non-committal on Penix's return, suggesting they may search for alternatives at the position.

The details

Cousins, 37, had a solid 2025 season, going 5-3 as the Falcons' starter and completing 61% of his passes for 1,721 yards and a 10-5 touchdown-interception ratio in 10 games. However, the team's overall 8-9 record led to the recent firing of head coach Raheem Morris and general manager Terry Fontenot. With the Falcons embarking on a new era under head coach Kevin Stefanski and general manager Ian Cunningham, the future of the quarterback position remains a hot topic.

  • The Falcons plan to release Cousins before the new league year.

The players

Kirk Cousins

A veteran NFL quarterback who had a restructured contract with the Atlanta Falcons.

Michael Penix Jr.

The Falcons' young quarterback who is recovering from a torn ACL and whose future with the team remains uncertain.

Matt Ryan

The president of the Atlanta Falcons, who is leading the team's new front office.

Kevin Stefanski

The new head coach of the Atlanta Falcons.

Ian Cunningham

The new general manager of the Atlanta Falcons.

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What’s next

The Falcons will need to determine their quarterback situation for the 2026 season, with Penix's recovery and potential free agent options like Cousins to consider.

The takeaway

Cousins' release opens up the Falcons' quarterback position, setting the stage for a potential shakeup in Atlanta's offense as the team looks to build a winning roster under new leadership.