The Atlanta Falcons are gearing up for a pivotal offseason, with significant changes on the horizon for their quarterback depth chart. According to reports, the team is expected to part ways with veteran signal-caller Kirk Cousins, setting the stage for a potential shakeup under center.
Want to know what people are really saying? Don’t miss the buzz from Reddit at the end!
Falcons Poised to Shake Up QB Depth Chart
The Atlanta Falcons are bracing for a major overhaul at the quarterback position, as reports indicate the team is poised to release veteran Kirk Cousins before the start of the new league year in March. The 37-year-old is interested in playing next season, but a television role and retirement are other potential options, Schefter adds. “Adam Schefter”
Cousins’ potential departure comes after a 2025 campaign in which he started 8 games for the Falcons, throwing for 1,721 yards, 10 touchdowns, and 5 interceptions while being sacked 13 times. This development comes after the Falcons restructured Cousins’ contract in January, with the intention of deciding on his future with the team by mid-March.
The Cousins Conundrum: Falcons’ QB Dilemma Unfolds
Cousins’ potential departure from Atlanta marks the end of a tumultuous tenure that never quite lived up to expectations. Signed to a lucrative four-year, $180-million contract in free agency in 2024, the partnership between Cousins and the Falcons failed to materialize as envisioned.
While he started 14 games in his first season, completing 392 of 635 attempts for 4,067 yards, Cousins ultimately ceded the role to rookie Michael Penix Jr., whom the team drafted that same offseason. Penix Jr. showed promise before a season-ending knee injury, throwing for 1,982 yards, 9 touchdowns, and 3 interceptions in 9 starts. This season, Cousins regained the starting job after Penix’s injury, finishing with 10 touchdowns and five interceptions while leading the Falcons to a 5-3 record as a starter.
Falcons’ Offseason Shakeup: Cousins on the Outs?
The potential release of Cousins is just one aspect of the sweeping changes the Falcons have undergone this offseason. The team has brought in former passer Matt Ryan as president of football operations, Kevin Stefanski as head coach, and Ian Cunningham as general manager.
In 2025, the Falcons’ offense ranked 16th in total yards (6,489) and 14th in passing yards (4,067) under Cousins and Penix Jr. This new regime will be tasked with charting the course for the franchise’s future, including determining the fate of Cousins and the team’s long-term plans at the quarterback position.
Cousins’ Atlanta Tenure Nears Crossroads
If released, Cousins would join a highly anticipated quarterback free-agent class that’s expected to include notable names such as Daniel Jones, Malik Willis, and Aaron Rodgers, among others.
Jones is coming off a 2025 season with the Giants in which he threw for 3,346 yards, 19 touchdowns, and 8 interceptions. Willis, a young talent with upside, showed flashes for the Titans with 594 passing yards, 4 touchdowns, and 147 rushing yards. Meanwhile, the 39-year-old Rodgers posted 3,468 passing yards, 24 touchdowns, and 8 interceptions for the Packers in 2025.
While his time in Atlanta may be nearing its end, Cousins’ desire to continue playing could open up new opportunities elsewhere in the league. However, the possibility of retirement or a transition to a television role cannot be ruled out for the 37-year-old veteran.
Falcons Retool: Cousins’ Future Hangs in the Balance
As the Falcons embark on a new era under their revamped leadership, the team’s decision regarding Cousins’ future will be closely watched. With the status of Michael Penix Jr. as the team’s starting quarterback also uncertain, according to new president Matt Ryan, the Falcons’ quarterback situation remains a fluid and intriguing storyline heading into the offseason.
Ryan, who served as the Colts’ starting quarterback in 2022 before retiring, brings valuable experience from a career that saw him throw for 3,174 yards, 14 touchdowns, and 13 interceptions in his final season. Regardless of the outcome, the team’s commitment to reshaping its roster and charting a fresh course is evident, leaving Cousins’ future in Atlanta hanging in the balance.
Internet Reactions to Cousins’ Uncertain Falcons Future
The potential release of veteran quarterback Kirk Cousins from the Atlanta Falcons has sparked a flurry of speculation and discussion among NFL fans. Many believe Cousins could be an appealing option for teams in need of quarterback stability, with the Minnesota Vikings and Arizona Cardinals emerging as potential suitors.
Fans are particularly impressed by Cousins’ ability to secure lucrative contracts throughout his career, despite being an “above-average” quarterback. Some commenters jokingly suggest the Cleveland Browns, known for their propensity to make unexpected roster moves, could also enter the mix for Cousins’ services.