The Atlanta Falcons and quarterback Kirk Cousins are set to part ways following the conclusion of the current season, according to reports from ESPN’s Adam Schefter. Cousins, who is 36 years old, joined the Falcons on a four-year, $180 million contract after spending six seasons with the Minnesota Vikings. However, after head coach Raheem Morris announced that rookie Michael Penix Jr. would take over as quarterback for the remainder of the season, it became clear that a separation was imminent.
Cousins is expected to be released before March 17, the date he is due for a $10 million roster bonus. This marks the second consecutive offseason Cousins will enter free agency. Following that, if Cousins were to play for a different team in 2025, the Falcons would be responsible for a significant portion—$26.3 million—of his remaining salary.
With a number of teams likely in search of quarterback help during the offseason, Cousins could attract interest from various franchises looking for a veteran presence. Potential candidates include the New York Giants, Tennessee Titans, Indianapolis Colts, New Orleans Saints, and Las Vegas Raiders, all of which may want Cousins as a bridge quarterback for younger talent. The Cleveland Browns have also been mentioned as a possible suitor should they desire a competitive option for their current quarterback, Deshaun Watson.
This season, Cousins has returned from a torn Achilles injury, throwing for 3,508 yards, with 18 touchdowns and 16 interceptions as the Falcons sit at a 7-7 record with three games left to play. For the Falcons, while the decision to move on from Cousins may seem like a setback, it opens up opportunities for the team to build for the future, particularly by developing young talent.
In summary, Kirk Cousins’ impending free agency and the potential for new opportunities in 2025 could lead to a fresh start for both the quarterback and his prospective teams. With the upcoming offseason looming, the landscape of NFL quarterbacks could see significant changes that may set the stage for exciting developments ahead.