Adam Schefter reports that the Atlanta Falcons are set to move on from quarterback Kirk Cousins prior to his $10 million roster bonus due March 17. The anticipated move is an outright release which would grant Cousins free agency status. 

The Falcons signed the veteran quarterback in the offseason to a 4-year, $180 million contract. The move at the time was viewed through the scope of the Falcons having done their due diligence on Kirk Cousins’ recovery from his Achilles injury. What drew plenty of consternation and bewilderment was when the Falcons followed up in the 2024 NFL Draft by selecting Michael Penix Jr. with the 8th pick in the first round.

The fallout as to who loses their job over this mismanagement of money remains to be seen. In the meantime, Michael Penix Jr. will be given every opportunity to show he is the quarterback of the future. With free agency status, Kirk Cousins will have many paths available to him. Due to the nature of Cousins’ poor play and injury recovery, a Russell Wilson path as a starter on a team in transition on a low budget deal looks enticing. The Cleveland Browns are a team that comes to the forefront in a scenario like that.

Jeremiah Retzlaff, @coachretzlaff1