Report: Falcons expected to release Cousins

The Atlanta Falcons plan to release veteran quarterback Kirk Cousins before the start of the new league year in March, sources told ESPN's Adam Schefter.

The 37-year-old is interested in playing next season, but a television role and retirement are other potential options, Schefter adds.

Atlanta restructured Cousins' contract in January with the intention of deciding on his future with the team by mid-March. He's now likely to join a quarterback free-agent class that's expected to include Daniel Jones, Malik Willis, and Aaron Rodgers, among others.

The Falcons signed Cousins to a four-year, $180-million contract in free agency in 2024, but the partnership never materialized as the franchise envisioned. Cousins started 14 games in his first season with Atlanta before ceding the role to rookie Michael Penix Jr., whom the team drafted that same offseason. He finished his second and final campaign with the Falcons as the starter after Penix sustained a season-ending knee injury.

Cousins threw a league-high 16 interceptions in 2024 but looked much better this season, throwing 10 touchdowns to five interceptions while leading Atlanta to a 5-3 record as a starter.

The Falcons have made sweeping changes this offseason, bringing in former passer Matt Ryan as president of football, Kevin Stefanski as head coach, and Ian Cunningham as general manager. Ryan declined to comment when asked Tuesday about Penix's status as the team's starting quarterback.