Falcons sticking to their guns, won't release QB Kirk Cousins
According to multiple sources, the Atlanta Falcons are not expected to release quarterback Kirk Cousins before Saturday's 4 p.m. deadline, meaning Cousins will receive a $10 million bonus for the 2026 season. Despite speculation around Cousins' future, the decision won't surprise anyone who's followed the team closely over the last few months.
Falcons general manager Terry Fontenot has consistently said the team had no plans to release Cousins. The veteran quarterback reportedly met with owner Arthur Blank to express his desire to play elsewhere in 2025, but Atlanta has nothing to gain by cutting him.
The financial implications of releasing Cousins before Saturday's deadline are considerably worse than a $10 million roster bonus, which the Falcons may not even have to pay, according to NFL Network's Mike Garafolo.
The #Falcons were never bluffing here. The $10m for 2026 is subject to offset language, meaning whoever is paying him next year will pick up Atlanta’s tab for part or all of the guarantee. This deadline might cost Atlanta $0 in the end. Worth it to hold him and wait for a trade. https://t.co/GmAcAujFub
— Mike Garafolo (@MikeGarafolo) March 15, 2025
The Falcons are likely holding out for a post-June 1 trade in which they could get something back for Cousins and avoid paying him even more money. Cousins initially played well for the Falcons in 2024, leading the team to a 6-3 record before he went ice cold over the second half of the season.
After throwing one touchdown to nine interceptions over a five-game span, Atlanta benched Cousins for Michael Penix Jr. The rookie immediately opened up the offense upon taking over and it was clear the Falcons weren't going back. Cousins has since said he suffered an injury during the team's Week 10 loss to the New Orleans Saints.
The Falcons could opt to keep him on the roster as a high-paid backup, but the smart move is simply to hold Cousins until another team gets desperate enough to trade for him.
This article originally appeared on Falcons Wire: Kirk Cousins: Atlanta Falcons plan to keep veteran QB on roster
Topics
-
Falcons will not release Kirk Cousins ahead of deadline, QB to receive $10 million roster bonus for 2026
The Falcons won't be trading Cousins prior to the deadline for his roster bonusCBS Sports - 8h -
Why the Falcons are keeping Kirk Cousins on the roster for now
Well, Kirk Cousins is still a member of the Atlanta Falcons.Yahoo Sports - 8h -
It appears that Falcons QB Kirk Cousins isn't going anywhere just yet
Current Atlanta Falcons quarterback Kirk Cousins will cash in on a roster bonus by not getting cut by Saturday's deadline.Yahoo Sports - 6h -
Browns: Pursuit of Kirk Cousins not changed by Falcons' stubbornness
Expect the Browns to continue their pursuit of Kirk Cousins despite the Falcons' decision to keep him on their roster and lock in a roster bonusYahoo Sports - 7h -
Falcons keep Cousins, triggering bonus guarantee
The Falcons kept quarterback Kirk Cousins on their roster past 4 p.m. ET Saturday, triggering a guarantee on a $10 million roster bonus that is due in 2026.ESPN - 1h -
Falcons will fully guarantee the $10 million Kirk Cousins 2026 roster bonus
If Falcons is cut before roster bonus is earned, the Falcons likely won't owe him any of it.Yahoo Sports - 7h -
2025 NFL free agency: Browns expected to land Kirk Cousins if Falcons release QB, per report
Cousins played under Kevin Stefanski in MinnesotaCBS Sports - 4d -
Kirk Cousins rumors: Falcons intent on keeping QB as backup, despite veteran's desire for starting opportunity
Atlanta is rolling with Michael Penix Jr. as the starterCBS Sports - 2d -
Free agency buzz: Falcons target desperate team with Cousins move
Atlanta sees the QB chairs running out, and it's in no hurry to help teams by releasing Kirk Cousins by Sunday. Here's more after first day of NFL's new year.Yahoo Sports - 2d
More from Yahoo Sports
-
Cowboys add receiver Parris Campbell, who will be on his 3rd NFC East team in 3 seasons
The Dallas Cowboys and free agent Parris Campbell agreed on a one-year contract Saturday, putting the receiver on his third NFC East team in three seasons. Campbell saw limited action with the ...Yahoo Sports - 14m -
Razorbacks even series against Ole Miss with 12-3 win
With the win, Dave Van Horn now has 900 as head coach of the Razorbacks. Arkansas starting pitcher Gabe Gaeckle struggled out of the gate, but settled in as the innings went by and ended up ...Yahoo Sports - 17m -
Hobbs scores 18 points, Mount St. Mary's wins first MAAC Championship title with 63-49 win over Iona
Yahoo Sports - 18m -
Caufield powers Canadiens to 3-1 victory over Panthers
Cole Caufield scored his team-leading 33rd goal and added an assist to help the Montreal Canadiens beat the Florida Panthers 3-1 on Saturday night. Patrik Laine and Christian Dvorak — with his ...Yahoo Sports - 19m -
SEC Championship - Tennessee vs. Florida Predictions: Odds, Expert Picks, Betting Trends, and Stats
Tennessee Volunteers vs. Florida Gators Game PreviewYahoo Sports - 19m
More in Sports
-
Cowboys add receiver Parris Campbell, who will be on his 3rd NFC East team in 3 seasons
The Dallas Cowboys and free agent Parris Campbell agreed on a one-year contract Saturday, putting the receiver on his third NFC East team in three seasons. Campbell saw limited action with the ...Yahoo Sports - 14m -
Razorbacks even series against Ole Miss with 12-3 win
With the win, Dave Van Horn now has 900 as head coach of the Razorbacks. Arkansas starting pitcher Gabe Gaeckle struggled out of the gate, but settled in as the innings went by and ended up ...Yahoo Sports - 17m -
Hobbs scores 18 points, Mount St. Mary's wins first MAAC Championship title with 63-49 win over Iona
Yahoo Sports - 18m -
Champions League qualification is the only positive Man City have left -- and they might miss it
Man City's awful season could end with one positive: qualification for next season's Champions League. But they are playing so poorly, they might not even get there.ESPN - 19m -
Ronald Acuna Jr. says he'll be more careful this season -- but no one believes him
From 40/70 to 40/30? The Braves' 2023 NL MVP is rehabbing with a plan to be stronger -- and healthier.ESPN - 19m