Falcons Release Kirk Cousins March 11
The Atlanta Falcons plan to release QB Kirk Cousins on the first day of the new league year March 11, while the Bears received trade calls on QB Tyson Bagent and the Eagles remain open to moving WR AJ Brown. The Ravens made a "market-setting" offer to C Tyler Linderbaum and are progressing on Lamar Jackson's extension, while the Chiefs released DT Mike Danna clearing $8.9M in cap space.
- Kirk Cousins originally signed a four-year, $180 million contract with the Falcons on March 11, 2024, which included $100 million in guarantees and a $50 million signing bonus. - By designating Cousins as a post-June 1 cut, the Falcons can spread the salary cap hit over two years; the move will result in dead cap charges of $22.5 million in 2026 and $12.5 million in 2027. - In two seasons with Atlanta, Cousins started 22 games, compiling a 12-10 record. He was benched for rookie Michael Penix Jr. in Week 16 of the 2024 season due to performance issues after leading the league with 16 interceptions. - The decision to sign Cousins was followed just weeks later by the Falcons selecting quarterback Michael Penix Jr. with the No. 8 overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft. - Cousins' tenure in Atlanta began as he was recovering from a torn Achilles tendon suffered in October 2023. He also dealt with shoulder and elbow injuries during the 2024 season. - A recent contract restructure paved the way for his release. The deal lowered his 2026 base salary and created a large vesting guarantee for the 2027 season that would have become active on March 13, creating a deadline for the team to make a decision. - Despite a career record of one playoff win, Cousins is among the highest-paid players in NFL history, having earned over $331 million. - In 2025, Penix started the season but suffered a season-ending knee injury in Week 11, which led to Cousins starting the final seven games and finishing with a 5-3 record.
