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
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