The Atlanta Falcons are moving on from Kirk Cousins and will release the 14-year veteran.
After earning $100-million for 22 starts, Kirk Cousins’ time in Atlanta has come to an end. Per Atlanta general manager Ian Cunningham, the franchise will release the 14-year veteran on March 11, the start of the new league year. The release concludes an up-and-down stint in Atlanta, where Cousins went 12-10 as a starter. He signed a four-year deal in 2024, only for the team to draft QB Michael Penix Jr. with the No. 8 overall pick a few weeks later. After struggling down the stretch of the 2024 season, Cousins was benched for Penix and served as the backup last year until Penix suffered a season-ending knee injury.
Cousins should draw interest in his services as a potential bridge QB. He looked pretty pedestrian last year — outside of one monstrous performance against the Buccaneers, 18.6 fantasy points was his best weekly output. But he’s now another year removed from the Achilles tear he suffered in 2023, and brings a résumé that includes 44,700 passing yards and 298 passing TDs. A reunion with the Vikings makes a lot of sense. The QB-needy Jets also could be an option. For fantasy, Cousins can be safely ignored in all single-QB formats, but will be a QB3 in Superflex leagues if he lands a starting job.
Author: Wolf Trelles-Heard (@DynastyFFWolf )
Atlanta Falcons quarterback Kirk Cousins is expected to be ...
Atlanta Falcons veteran quarterback Kirk Cousins has two ...
Atlanta Falcons quarterback Kirk Cousins led the team to ...
The Atlanta Falcons are expected to release veteran quarterback Kirk Cousins.
The Atlanta Falcons are widely expected to release veteran quarterback Kirk Cousins before the start of the 2026 NFL league year in March, after two seasons in Atlanta that didn’t lead to playoff success. This move gives Cousins the opportunity to decide where he wants to play next or even consider retirement.
Cousins, 37, started for the Falcons once Michael Penix Jr. tore his ACL in 2025. Cousins went 5-3 as a starter but the team has new leadership at the helm. One potential for Cousins if released is reunited with the Minnesota Vikings, which he spent six seasons prior to joining the Falcons. Expect there to be demand for Cousins this offseason with a weaker quarterback draft class.
Author: Jake Lewis (@Lewylewis5)
Falcons head coach Kevin Stefanski has expressed excitement for quarterback Michael Penix.
When Michael Penix suffered a partially torn left ACL in Week 11, it cast an ominous cloud over his future. Backup Kirk Cousins took over and the Falcons just missed the playoffs in a 3-way tie in the NFC South where the Panthers held the tie breaker.
New Falcons Head Coach Kevin Stefanski recently spoke to his excitement for Penix heading into 2026. Stefanski spoke highly of his rehab process and talked about things on tape that he excels, such as layering his throws and pushing the ball to different areas of the field.
Stefanski was a little bit more cool on Kirk Cousins acknowledging their existing relationship, but stopping shy of a ringing endorsement. From a dynasty perspective, Penix returning would be excellent for wide receiver Drake London. Just prior to Penix’s injury, London had 3 WR1 overall weeks in the span of 4 games.
Author: Jeremiah Retzlaff (@coachretzlaff1)
The Atlanta Falcons and Kirk Cousins agreed to modify the last two years of his deal, making it possible that Cousins hits free agency.
The Atlanta Falcons had a late season surge with Kirk Cousins at quarterback and they just fired head coach Raheem Morris and general manager Terry Fontenot. This leaves plenty of question marks around the organization.
Cousins could potentially hit free agency after the contract restructure, March 13th is the decision point. Cousins proved that he could still be a starting quarterback in the NFL in the second half of the season.
What happens with Cousins and how the Flacons address quarterback, head coach and general manager will have impacts on Drake London, Bijan Robinson and Kyle Pitts, who is also a pending free agent.
Author: David Leonard Jr. (@RealDelcoDave)
Drake London will need at least another week with recovery from a PCL injury.
Drake London will miss Sunday’s road matchup with the Jets as the Falcons aim to stay in playoff contention. At 4-7 and 2 games back of the Panthers and Buccaneers for the division, it appears those hopes are slipping away.
London is sitting as the WR7 overall in fantasy and has had 3 WR1 overall games this season. With Kirk Cousins taking over for an injured Michael Penix Jr., the Falcons will turn to Darnell Mooney and Kyle Pitts in the passing game. Expect the offense to primarily run through both Bijan Robinson and Tyler Allgeier. The Falcons get the Seahawks at home in Week 14 where fantasy managers will cling to hope that London can return.
Author: Jeremiah Retzlaff (@coachretzlaff1)
Kirk Cousins is highly likely to start for the Falcons in Week 8 as Michael Penix is questionable with a knee injury.
Veteran quarterback Kirk Cousins is highly likely to get the start for the Atlanta Falcons in Week 8, as Michael Penix Jr is questionable with a knee injury. This would be the first start since Week 15 of last season. Cousins signed a four-year $180 million contract in 2024 with the Falcons and was not able to finish a full season before being replaced by Penix.
Cousins struggled with turnovers last season, throwing 16 interceptions in 14 games, but this matchup against a porous Miami Dolphins defense could make him a viable spot start in fantasy leagues. However, we can expect a heavy run game from the Falcons, as the Dolphins rank 32nd in run defense this season, allowing an average of 159.3 yards per game.
Author: Dane Madoche(@FF_DaMaddog)
