Falcons close the book on Kirk Cousins era in Atlanta
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Falcons quarterback Kirk Cousins waves after the team's 19-17 Jan. 4 victory over the New Orleans Saints. Photo: Todd Kirkland/Getty Images
The Atlanta Falcons plan to cut ties with veteran quarterback Kirk Cousins, closing out a $180-million investment that never produced sustained success.
Why it matters: The Falcons' short-lived quarterback experiment created confusion about the team's direction and stalled momentum during another losing season.
- The team plans to release the veteran from the roster when the new league year starts next month, Falcons general manager Ian Cunningham announced Tuesday at the NFL Scouting Combine.
Catch up quick: Cousins arrived in Atlanta in the 2024 season on a four-year, $180 million deal as the Falcons' long-awaited answer at quarterback.
- The 37-year-old player was recovering from a torn Achilles but considered a top veteran passer who could be a team leader.
Zoom in: Just weeks after signing up Cousins, the Falcons used their No. 8 overall pick on Washington quarterback Michael Penix Jr., who team executives said was a long-term investment.
- The move created uncertainty and confusion among fans and the media who thought the Falcons were rebuilding under Cousins and new coach Raheem Morris.
- After a string of mixed performances, Cousins took the bench and Penix hit the field. The veteran QB started the last seven games of the 2025 campaign after Penix was sidelined with a season-ending knee injury, and led the team to four consecutive wins.
State of play: After the Falcons failed to make the playoffs for the eighth consecutive season, team owner Arthur Blank launched an offseason overhaul.
- He parted ways with Morris and general manager Terry Fontenot and named Falcons legend Matt Ryan as the organization's new president of football operations.
- Ryan's and Cunningham's mission: turn things around and start winning.
Yes, but: "Without Cousins, the Falcons' quarterback group is bare on bodies and experience," the AJC's Daniel Flick writes, noting that Penix is the only quarterback the Falcons have under contract in 2026.
What's next: Earlier this month, according to ESPN, Cunningham said he plans to "enhance" the team's roster so new coach Kevin Stefanski "can consistently compete for championships."
- "I think now we're going to be a completely different team moving forward," Cunningham said.