The Atlanta Falcons have announced their intention to release quarterback Kirk Cousins, who will formally enter free agency when the new NFL league year begins on March 11. At 37 years old, the seasoned quarterback’s future remains uncertain as teams consider their options ahead of the upcoming season.
Although the cut is technically a post-June 1 release, allowing the Falcons to manage their salary cap more efficiently, the team will still absorb dead cap charges totaling $22.5 million this year and $12.5 million the next. The move reduces Atlanta’s cap hit to $24.6 million for the current season.
Ian Cunningham, the Falcons’ new general manager, explained the decision in an interview with D.J. Shockley, stating,
“It made sense for us to move on,”
and added,
“But out of respect for Kirk and his representation, I just wanted to let them know our intentions now, so that they could plan their future moving forward.”
Potential Teams and Difficult Prospects for Cousins’ Next Chapter
As Kirk Cousins enters free agency for the third time in his 14-year career, speculation about where he might land is mounting. Brad Gagnon of Bleacher Report pointed out some teams likely to be interested, including the Minnesota Vikings, Pittsburgh Steelers, Miami Dolphins, New York Jets, and Arizona Cardinals, all of which have quarterback needs.
However, Gagnon also warned that Cousins might struggle to find a new team given the current quarterback landscape.
“This quarterback carousel won’t likely be loaded with greatness. That said, if Rodgers sticks around and Russell Wilson becomes another late-career option, and if teams decide to go young and not give up on guys like [J.J.] McCarthy and Anthony Richardson, it’s entirely possible nothing will come Cousins’ way this spring or summer,”
he wrote.
The Steelers remain uncertain about Aaron Rodgers’ status for the coming season, and Russell Wilson’s brief stints as a short-term solution have left some teams cautious. Despite these challenges, a scenario where no team pursues Cousins seems unlikely considering his solid finish in 2025. He started the final eight games with a 5-3 record, accumulating 1,721 passing yards, 10 touchdowns, and five interceptions.
Gagnon further noted,
“While somebody is likely to eventually become desperate enough to reach out to Cousins as an insurance policy, injury replacement or bridge, he could lose this game of musical chairs. And even if he’s offered a seat, a guy who has earned well over $300 million in his career could decide he isn’t interested and retire.”
Retirement: A Possible but Unlikely Outcome for Cousins
Despite the uncertainties surrounding his free agency, retirement does not currently appear to be Cousins’ preferred option. The veteran quarterback has expressed his desire to continue starting in the NFL.
If he ultimately chooses to retire, Cousins would leave the game as the fourth-highest earner in NFL history, despite having secured only one playoff victory throughout his career. His tenure with the Minnesota Vikings, spanning six seasons, is likely to be the highlight of his legacy.
His two-season period with the Falcons, on the other hand, may be viewed less favorably. Cousins joined Atlanta on a four-year, $180 million deal but compiled a 12-10 starting record during his time there, falling short of expectations.
Kirk Cousins free agency remains one of the more intriguing quarterback developments heading into the offseason, as teams weigh veteran experience against emerging talents at the position. With cap considerations and shifting team strategies, the coming weeks will be pivotal for determining Cousins’ next move and its impact on NFL rosters.
The Falcons will release QB Kirk Cousins to start the new league year here is my exclusive sit down with G-M Ian Cunningham on why this decision made! pic.twitter.com/YJCqMAgziR
— DjShockley (@DjShockley3) February 24, 2026
