GM Ian Cunningham: Falcons plan to release quarterback Kirk Cousins

INDIANAPOLIS — Kirk Cousins’ time with the Falcons has its official end date.

Falcons general manager Ian Cunningham told reporters Tuesday at the NFL Scouting Combine that he recently informed Cousins and representative Michael McCartney that the team will release the 37-year-old quarterback March 11, the first day of the new NFL business year. Cunningham first announced his decision in an appearance Tuesday morning on 92.9 The Game.

“Out of respect for Kirk and for Michael, (we) felt like that was the best decision,” Cunningham said. “The timing was right to let them know our intentions and our plan so they can put a plan together for themselves. I feel like we owe that to him. I owe that to Kirk and his rep to be able to have that clarity moving forward.”

Cunningham noted Cousins’ contract structure allows the Falcons the ability to part ways. Cousins, who inked a four-year contract worth up to $180 million in March 2024, still has $10 million guaranteed on his deal.

The Falcons restructured Cousins’ contract in January, trimming his base salary in 2026 from $35 million to $2.1 million. The rest of the money rolls into 2027, creating a $67.9 million vesting guarantee that allows the Falcons to spread the dead cap space associated with Cousins’ deal over two years. By releasing Cousins, the team saves $10.2 million but, overall, incurs $35 million in dead money, according to OverTheCap.

“Just felt like that was the best decision for us,” Cunningham said.

Cousins ends his Falcons tenure with 24 appearances and 22 starts. He completed 65% of his passes for 5,229 yards and 28 touchdowns while tossing 21 interceptions.

A four-time Pro Bowl selection, Cousins started the first 14 games of the 2024 season but was benched after throwing only one touchdown and nine interceptions in his final five games. He was replaced by 2024 first-round pick Michael Penix Jr., who carried starting responsibilities into 2025 but suffered a season-ending ACL tear in November.

Cousins started the final seven games — eight overall — and led the Falcons to four consecutive wins to end the season. He finished his final campaign in Atlanta with a 61.7% completion rate while accumulating 1,721 yards, 10 touchdowns and five interceptions.

Without Cousins, the Falcons’ quarterback group is bare on bodies and experience. Penix is the lone signal-caller currently under contract in 2026, as backups Easton Stick and Emory Jones are free agents.

The Falcons need to add depth and competition behind Penix. Where it turns is unknown, but Cunningham ruled out the possibility of reuniting with Cousins on a lesser deal.

“We won’t re-sign Kirk,” Cunningham said.