Cousins out, Penix in: Falcons enter 2026 with new QB and $100M Cap boost
Michael Penix Jr. inherits starting role in Atlanta as Cousins’ release frees up $100M in cap space, reshaping the offense for 2026.
The Atlanta Falcons are entering a pivotal offseason at quarterback. On Monday, Falcons GM Ian Cunningham confirmed on 92.9 The Game that veteran Kirk Cousins will be released on the first day of the new league year in March, making him a free agent. Cousins earned $100 million over two seasons with Atlanta.
#Falcons GM Ian Cunningham confirmed on @929TheGame that Kirk Cousins will be released in March on the first day of the new league year, making him a free agent.
— Ari Meirov (@MySportsUpdate) February 24, 2026
Cousins earned $100M during his two seasons with Atlanta. pic.twitter.com/gFKAXXBl8p
Falcons to release Kirk Cousins, Michael Penix Jr. poised to take over
While the move is not a shock, it immediately places pressure on Michael Penix Jr., the team’s 2025 draft pick. Penix was selected shortly after the Falcons signed Cousins, a timing that seemed odd at the time, and now he will have a clear path to the starting job in 2026.
🚨🚨INSANE FOOTAGE🚨🚨
— MLFootball (@MLFootball) February 21, 2026
Chicago #Bears general manager Ryan Poles was COMPLETELY STUNNED when the Atlanta #Falcons drafted quarterback Michael Penix Jr. with the 8th overall pick.
😳😳😳
One of the most shocking draft picks in #NFL history.
pic.twitter.com/2uFewKUK1O
“The offense looked better with Cousins under center late last season,” one NFL analyst noted, highlighting the challenge Penix faces. Fans and coaches alike will want to see him translate potential into consistent production.
Beyond the on-field implications, Cousins’ departure provides significant salary cap flexibility. Atlanta now has $100 million in freed-up space, opening the door for additional free-agent signings, potential trades, or moves in the draft. How the Falcons choose to deploy that capital could define the roster for years to come.
Penix now carries the responsibility of leading an offense that showed flashes of improvement with Cousins but still has work to do. The coaching staff will need to balance developing the young quarterback with maintaining competitiveness, while also leveraging the cap space to surround him with the right weapons.
Atlanta’s 2026 season may hinge as much on how they manage this transition off the field as on how Penix performs under center. With the veteran gone, the Falcons are officially turning the page.
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