What's happened
The Atlanta Falcons will release quarterback Kirk Cousins on the first day of the new league year, ending a costly and underwhelming two-season stint. Cousins, 37, signed a four-year, $180 million deal in 2024 but struggled with injuries and performance, leading to his release and a potential new chapter for his career.
What's behind the headline?
The Falcons' decision to release Cousins reflects a broader NFL trend of reevaluating aging quarterbacks on expensive contracts. Cousins' performance, with a 12-10 record and 16 interceptions in 2024, underscores the risks of high-cost deals for veteran quarterbacks. His release will create cap space but also leaves him as a free agent in a market eager for experienced quarterbacks. This move highlights the NFL's ongoing cycle of short-term fixes versus long-term planning, with teams like the Steelers, Vikings, and Colts likely to consider signing Cousins as a stopgap. The Falcons' focus on developing Michael Penix Jr. suggests a shift toward youth and potential, even if it means short-term instability. The move also signals a changing landscape where veteran quarterbacks are increasingly viewed as assets to be moved or released rather than franchise cornerstones, especially when performance declines or injuries mount.
What the papers say
AP News reports that Cousins' two seasons with the Falcons resulted in a 12-10 record, with 28 touchdown passes but a league-high 16 interceptions in 2024. The article highlights the financial implications of his contract, including the $24.6 million cap figure and dead money charges. The NY Post adds context, noting that Cousins' four-year, $180 million deal was one of the worst in NFL history, and details the internal team dynamics, including the firing of Falcons management and the strategic focus on Penix Jr. as the future quarterback. The article also discusses the broader NFL landscape, including key players like Lamar Jackson, Aaron Rodgers, and Maxx Crosby, and the upcoming free agency and trade negotiations that will shape the league's quarterback market.
How we got here
Kirk Cousins joined the Falcons in 2024 after leaving the Vikings with a lucrative contract. His time in Atlanta was marked by inconsistent play and injuries, including a season-ending knee injury for Michael Penix Jr., which briefly made Cousins the starter again. The Falcons' management decided to release him to rebuild their quarterback options, amid a broader NFL landscape of quarterback movement and franchise tag negotiations.
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