Atlanta Falcons Plan to Cut Ties with Kirk Cousins Before $10 Million Bonus Deadline

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End of an Era? Atlanta Falcons Plan to Cut Ties with Kirk Cousins Before $10 Million Bonus Deadline

The Atlanta Falcons are on the brink of a significant financial decision involving veteran quarterback Kirk Cousins. With a hefty $10 million roster bonus due on March 17, 2026, the Falcons are expected to release Cousins beforehand, avoiding the additional expense. This move comes after a season where Cousins, despite his experience and past success, has struggled to elevate the Falcons’ performance.

End of an Era? Atlanta Falcons Plan to Cut Ties with Kirk Cousins Before $10 Million Bonus Deadline
Countdown to Change: The Falcons Eye Kirk Cousins’ Release Ahead of Bonus Deadline

A Season of Disappointment

Kirk Cousins’ tenure with the Falcons has been marked by inconsistent play and a failure to connect on the field. Despite completing 303 of 435 pass attempts for 3,508 yards this season, his touchdown-to-interception ratio has been underwhelming, with 18 touchdowns against 16 interceptions—the most picks he has thrown in his career.

His recent performance against the Las Vegas Raiders, where he was tripped up and faced intense pressure, underscores the challenges he has faced all season. The game images from Allegiant Stadium, capturing Cousins being tackled or throwing under pressure, paint a vivid picture of a quarterback struggling to find his rhythm.

End of an Era? Atlanta Falcons Plan to Cut Ties with Kirk Cousins Before $10 Million Bonus Deadline
Financial Tackle: Atlanta Faces Tough Decisions with Kirk Cousins’ Impending Bonus

The Impending Release and What Lies Ahead

If Cousins is released, he will enter the free agency for the second consecutive offseason, free to choose a new team that aligns with his preferences and where he might hope to revive his career. This move could benefit both Cousins and the Falcons, allowing the team to invest in new talent and potentially build a more cohesive and competitive squad around Penix Jr.

Falcons head coach Raheem Morris noted that Cousins handled his benching “with class,” acknowledging the difficulty of the situation. “Anytime you take a step down and a demotion of whatever the case may be, it’s not gonna be met with great appreciation,” Morris said, highlighting the professional challenges and personal resilience involved in such transitions.

End of an Era? Atlanta Falcons Plan to Cut Ties with Kirk Cousins Before $10 Million Bonus Deadline
End of the Line? Kirk Cousins and the Falcons Prepare for a Potential Split

As the March 17 deadline approaches, all eyes will be on the Falcons’ front office as they navigate this high-stakes decision. The outcome will significantly impact the team’s financial health and roster strategy, possibly marking the end of an era and the beginning of a new chapter in Atlanta’s football narrative.

    The Atlanta Falcons are on the brink of a significant financial decision involving veteran quarterback Kirk Cousins. With a hefty $10 million roster bonus due on March 17, 2026, the Falcons are expected to release Cousins beforehand, avoiding the additional expense. This move comes after a season where Cousins, despite his experience and past success, has struggled to elevate the Falcons’ performance.

    End of an Era? Atlanta Falcons Plan to Cut Ties with Kirk Cousins Before $10 Million Bonus Deadline
    Countdown to Change: The Falcons Eye Kirk Cousins’ Release Ahead of Bonus Deadline

    A Season of Disappointment

    Kirk Cousins’ tenure with the Falcons has been marked by inconsistent play and a failure to connect on the field. Despite completing 303 of 435 pass attempts for 3,508 yards this season, his touchdown-to-interception ratio has been underwhelming, with 18 touchdowns against 16 interceptions—the most picks he has thrown in his career.

    His recent performance against the Las Vegas Raiders, where he was tripped up and faced intense pressure, underscores the challenges he has faced all season. The game images from Allegiant Stadium, capturing Cousins being tackled or throwing under pressure, paint a vivid picture of a quarterback struggling to find his rhythm.

    End of an Era? Atlanta Falcons Plan to Cut Ties with Kirk Cousins Before $10 Million Bonus Deadline
    Financial Tackle: Atlanta Faces Tough Decisions with Kirk Cousins’ Impending Bonus

    The Impending Release and What Lies Ahead

    If Cousins is released, he will enter the free agency for the second consecutive offseason, free to choose a new team that aligns with his preferences and where he might hope to revive his career. This move could benefit both Cousins and the Falcons, allowing the team to invest in new talent and potentially build a more cohesive and competitive squad around Penix Jr.

    Falcons head coach Raheem Morris noted that Cousins handled his benching “with class,” acknowledging the difficulty of the situation. “Anytime you take a step down and a demotion of whatever the case may be, it’s not gonna be met with great appreciation,” Morris said, highlighting the professional challenges and personal resilience involved in such transitions.

    End of an Era? Atlanta Falcons Plan to Cut Ties with Kirk Cousins Before $10 Million Bonus Deadline
    End of the Line? Kirk Cousins and the Falcons Prepare for a Potential Split

    As the March 17 deadline approaches, all eyes will be on the Falcons’ front office as they navigate this high-stakes decision. The outcome will significantly impact the team’s financial health and roster strategy, possibly marking the end of an era and the beginning of a new chapter in Atlanta’s football narrative.