Atlanta Falcons to Release Kirk Cousins Before $10M Bonus, Michael Penix Jr. to Start

Dec 21, 2024, 02:07 PM

The Atlanta Falcons are expected to release quarterback Kirk Cousins before his $10 million roster bonus is due on March 17, 2025, according to reports from ESPN's Adam Schefter. Cousins, who signed a four-year, $180 million contract with the Falcons in the offseason, was recently benched in favor of rookie Michael Penix Jr., who is set to make his first NFL start. The decision to release Cousins is anticipated across the NFL, as his contract includes a no-trade clause, making a trade unlikely. Cousins' performance this season has been subpar, with 18 touchdowns and 16 interceptions over 14 starts, leading to his benching after a stretch of poor play. The move to release Cousins would follow a costly tenure with the Falcons, where he earned nearly $90 million for his 14 games played. Cousins, at age 36, is guaranteed a $27.5 million salary for 2025 from the Falcons, despite his release. The Falcons currently hold a 7-7 record.