Falcons may make a decision which would shake up NFL free agency
Atlanta may be ready to release a veteran quarterback before March, something which would open one of the most striking stories of 2026.
The Atlanta Falcons are preparing to make a major move in the upcoming NFL free agency period. League sources say the team plans to waive Kirk Cousins before the start of the new league year in March, a decision that would allow the veteran quarterback to explore the market and shape his future away from Georgia.
The news, first reported by ESPN and confirmed by multiple outlets, suggests the Falcons want to release Cousins before key elements of his contract become guaranteed, giving the organisation greater salary flexibility heading into free agency.
Cousins, 37, became Atlanta’s starting quarterback after a contract restructuring that modified the final two years of his deal and allowed the club to make a decision before March 13. If he remains on the roster beyond that date, a large portion of his salary becomes fully guaranteed.
The move does not come as a complete surprise. During the 2025 season, Cousins’ role was the subject of intense debate as the franchise weighed its future and the development of young quarterback Michael Penix Jr. Penix, a first-round pick in 2024, suffered a significant injury, and the organisation has yet to confirm what direction it will take with its quarterback room in 2026.
For Cousins, a departure would represent another chance to attract teams seeking an experienced starter. Over the course of his career, he has been selected to four Pro Bowls and has shown an ability to lead competitive teams. His arrival on the market could reshape the quarterback landscape and spark immediate interest from franchises looking for stability under centre.
Falcons quarterback Kirk Cousins is expected to be released before the start of the new league year in March, allowing him to choose where or if he wants to play in 2026, per league sources.https://t.co/4sFE7eCgEo
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) February 7, 2026
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Speculation has linked him with several potential destinations, including a reunion with Minnesota, where he enjoyed some of the best years of his career, although nothing is confirmed and the situation remains fluid. Cousins’ exit would mark a turning point not only for him but also for the Falcons, signalling how the franchise envisions its future as it searches for a stable identity at the most important position in American football.
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