Kirk Cousins’ Time with Atlanta Falcons Coming to an End?
Atlanta Falcons quarterback Kirk Cousins is expected to be released after the season, according to ESPN’s Adam Schefter. Cousins signed a four-year, $180 million contract with the Falcons in March, but has struggled with poor play and has been benched in favor of rookie Michael Penix Jr.
Cousins is owed a $10 million roster bonus on March 17, but executives across the NFL expect him to be released before then. If the Falcons cut ties with Cousins, they would save $10 million, but would still be on the hook for most of his contract.
Cousins’ contract includes $100 million in guaranteed money, and if the Falcons release him before next season, they would take a $65 million dead cap hit. Additionally, his cap hit for next season would increase by $25 million if he is released.
Cousins has a no-trade clause, and is not expected to waive it. He has been frustrated with the team’s decision to draft a quarterback with the eighth overall pick in the draft last season, which he sees as a replacement for him.
The 36-year-old quarterback has completed 66.9% of his passes this season, throwing for 3,508 yards and 18 touchdowns, but also throwing a league-high 16 interceptions. He has 12 fumbles, which is tied for the most in the NFL.
With the Falcons’ season all but over, it seems likely that Cousins will be released after the season, and will sign a league veteran contract with another team.