Falcons expected to release Kirk Cousins in March, adding another veteran QB to free-agent market

When the NFL's free-agent signing period opens in March, one more veteran quarterback will be added to the list of available players. Atlanta Falcons quarterback Kirk Cousins will be released on the first day of the 2026 league year, Falcons general manager Ian Cunningham said Tuesday.

Cunningham made those comments during a local radio interview. He said he spoke to Cousins and the QB's agent about the move.

Cousins, 37, still showed some ability with the Falcons down the stretch. Following a season-ending injury to Michael Penix Jr., Cousins started the final seven games of the regular season for Atlanta. He threw for 1,471 yards, 10 touchdowns and 5 interceptions during those contests. The Falcons went 5-2 with Cousins under center down the stretch, but that wasn't good enough to push the team into the playoffs.

While Cousins already knows his fate, the Falcons will wait until March 11 — when the 2026 league year begins — to make the move for salary cap reasons.

https://sports.yahoo.com/nfl/breaking-news/article/falcons-expected-to-release-kirk-cousins-in-march-adding-another-veteran-qb-to-free-agent-market-143803327.html