Quarterback Kirk Cousins is set to part ways with the Atlanta Falcons as changes to his contract have paved the way for his impending release. The Falcons have adjusted Cousins’s deal, shifting a significant portion of his 2026 salary to 2027 and establishing a vesting date of March 13 that would secure a substantial $67.9 million guarantee for the upcoming season.
General Manager Ian Cunningham confirmed the decision during an appearance on 92.9 The Game, stating that the Falcons have informed Cousins of their plan to release him when the new league year begins on March 11. “Obviously, the contract structure allows that to occur,” Cunningham noted.
Cousins will be designated as a post-June 1 cut, allowing the Falcons to manage his remaining salary cap hit over the following two years. This strategic move not only opens up opportunities for the Falcons to reallocate resources but also places Cousins firmly in the free agency market, making him an appealing option for teams in need of quarterback talent. Cunningham’s announcement serves to give potential suitors a clear understanding of Cousins’s availability, enabling them to strategize accordingly as free agency approaches.
This transition marks a significant shift for both Cousins and the Falcons, as the quarterback looks ahead to new opportunities while the team prepares for the future.