NFL Combine 2026: Atlanta Falcons to release Kirk Cousins as GM Ian Cunningham confirms major roster move

The Atlanta Falcons aren't waiting for the frenzy of free agency to make their biggest move. General Manager Ian Cunningham confirmed what many had suspected, the team will release veteran quarterback Kirk Cousins on March 11, the very first day of the new league year.This ends a two-year stint in Atlanta that was as productive as it was complicated. By cutting Cousins now, the Falcons avoid a massive financial hurdle, a contract that would have guaranteed Cousins nearly $68 million for the 2027 season if he remained on the roster just two days longer.For the Falcons, this is as much about the future as it is about the salary cap. The team is ready to hand the keys to Michael Penix Jr., who showed flashes of brilliance as a rookie before a knee injury sidelined him late in the 2025 season."We felt this was out of respect for Kirk and his career," Cunningham told reporters. By announcing the move early, the Falcons are giving the 37-year-old veteran a head start on finding a new home. It’s a rare moment of transparency in the NFL, intended to give Cousins clarity before other teams start locking in their rosters.Despite being benched at one point for Penix, Cousins finished the 2025 season with a bang. When Penix went down, Cousins stepped back into the starting role and led the Falcons to a four-game winning streak to close out the year. He recently told fans he feels "rejuvenated" and isn't ready to retire, setting the stage for what could be a wild bidding war for his services.Across his two seasons in Atlanta, Cousins threw for over 5,200 yards and 28 touchdowns. While he had his fair share of interceptions, his ability to orchestrate a late-season surge proved he still has plenty of gas in the tank.Teams like the Minnesota Vikings where Cousins spent six seasons and other quarterback-needy franchises like the New York Jets or Pittsburgh Steelers could be in the mix.For Atlanta, the "Dirty Bird" era now officially belongs to Michael Penix Jr. and new head coach Kevin Stefanski. The front office is betting big that Penix’s recovery will be complete by Week 1, leaving Cousins to pursue one final championship run elsewhere with no hard feelings and transparent decision, now only time will tell if this goes in their favor or not.