PHILADELPHIA, PA - SEPTEMBER 16: Kirk Cousins #18 of the Atlanta Falcons warms up before kickoff against the Philadelphia Eagles during a football game at Lincoln Financial Field on September 16, 2024 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Cooper N …
ATLANTA - The Atlanta Falcons announced on Wednesday that they have officially released veteran quarterback Kirk Cousins.
What we know:
The Falcons posted on X saying Cousins was released with a post-June 1 designation. The designation will allow the team to spread its dead-cap hit over two seasons – paying out $22.5 million in 2026 and $12.5 million in 2027, according to The New York Times.
The move comes as the new NFL year begins.
The backstory:
Falcons General Manager Ian Cunningham announced the team's intention to cut Cousins at the NFL Combine in February.
Speculation arose after Cousins was benched during the 2024 season in favor of Michael Penix Jr. The release allows Cousins to enter free agency.
Dig deeper:
Penix will have some competition for the starter role in 2026, NFL sources say, as the Falcons reportedly plan to sign former Miami Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa to a one-year deal.
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The Source: Information in this report comes from the Atlanta Falcons' X account, the New York Times and prior FOX 5 reporting.