New Atlanta Falcons general manager Ian Cunningham has informed quarterback Kirk Cousins that he will be released on March 11, the first day of the league year. Cunningham told 92.9 The Game that he recently spoke with Cousins and his agent Mike McCartney about the decision, which follows months of speculation about the veteran quarterback's future in Atlanta.

Cousins' departure comes after the Falcons restructured his contract in January, guaranteeing $67.9 million for 2027. The restructure reduced his 2026 base salary from $35 million to $2.1 million but made his release increasingly likely. If the Falcons designate Cousins for release after June 1, they would save $2.1 million in salary cap space while taking on $22.5 million in dead money for 2026.

Cousins, 37, had a tumultuous two-year tenure in Atlanta, starting strong with a 6-3 record in 2024 before injuries derailed his performance. The Falcons drafted Michael Penix Jr. six weeks after signing Cousins, signaling their long-term plans. While Cousins led the team to a four-game winning streak to close the 2025 season after Penix's injury, Atlanta has committed to Penix as their quarterback of the future. Cousins finished 2025 with 1,721 passing yards, 10 touchdowns, and five interceptions, posting a 47.6 QBR that ranked 22nd in the league.