Atlanta Falcons basic supervisor Ian Cunningham says quarterback Kirk Cousins will likely be launched on the primary day of the brand new NFL league 12 months, bringing an anticipated finish to the veteran’s quick spell with the franchise.
Talking on Atlanta radio station 92.9 The Sport, Cunningham confirmed he had already knowledgeable Cousins and his agent, Mike McCartney, of the choice.
“We gained’t re-sign Kirk,” Cunningham stated when requested whether or not there was any state of affairs through which the 37-year-old might return on a decreased wage.
The transfer had appeared more and more probably following a contract restructure earlier this 12 months. Changes to the deal assured vital future cash and created a monetary incentive for the Falcons to maneuver on earlier than it vested.
Cousins’ time in Atlanta has been fractured from the outset. The Falcons chosen quarterback Michael Penix Jr. within the draft solely weeks after signing the veteran, a choice that stunned many across the league and signalled a long-term plan past Cousins.
After recovering from a torn Achilles suffered in 2023, Cousins started the 2024 marketing campaign strongly and helped Atlanta to a 6-3 begin.
Nonetheless, an arm harm disrupted his type and he endured a troublesome stretch that included 9 interceptions throughout 5 video games. He was finally benched late within the season because the organisation dedicated to Penix as its future starter.
Cousins returned slot in 2025, however the path of journey had already been set and there was no real training-camp competitors.
When Penix later tore his ACL in Week 11, Cousins resumed beginning duties and completed the 12 months with a four-game successful run. Throughout the season he accomplished 61.7% of his passes for 1,721 yards, throwing 10 touchdowns and 5 interceptions.
Total, Atlanta went 5-3 in video games Cousins began in 2025 in contrast with 3-6 in Penix’s begins, but the franchise’s long-term planning remained unchanged.
A 14-year NFL veteran and former Professional Bowl choice, Cousins now enters free company forward of the brand new league 12 months, the place he’s anticipated to draw curiosity from groups looking for an skilled beginning quarterback or a short-term bridge choice.
