$330m quarterback released with Steelers on notice for Aaron Rodgers replacement

Kirk Cousins’ time in Atlanta looks set to be over.

Cousins, who is top-20 in most passing categories in NFL history, was hoping to continue his success when he joined the Falcons.

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Atlanta pursued him after the first major injury of his career, expecting that it wouldn’t impact him as heavily as it turned out to.

Additional injuries and some questionable play landed him benched late in 2024, and he mainly served as back-up to Michael Penix Jr. in 2025.

As an injury replacement, Cousins showed flashes, but after Atlanta restructured his contract at the beginning of 2026, a release was all but inevitable.

Falcons’ GM confirms Cousins will be released on first day of league year

Atlanta’s restructuring of Cousins’ contract saw most of his 2026 salary moved to 2027, and a vesting date of March 13 that would guarantee him a whopping $67.9 million for the 2027 season.

The mere size of that guarantee did everything but confirm a release was coming.

The hiring of Kevin Stefanski, who was touted as the wrong person to fix the Falcons’ messy quarterback room, also could have played a role in his future.

Falcons general manager Ian Cunningham confirmed the already known on Tuesday.

Cunningham said on 92.9 The Game that the Falcons have told Cousins that they will release him when the new league year begins on March 11.

“Out of respect for Kirk [Cousins] and Michael [Penix], felt like that was the right decision,” Cunningham added.

When the release becomes official in March, the Falcons will be left with just Penix Jr. as their only quarterback under contract, they are expected to pursue one in free-agency.

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As for Cousins, it’s not the worst possible news.

Cousins’ release is good news for the Steelers who await Aaron Rodgers decision

Cousins is still worth an NFL shot. As mentioned, he was solid in his outings as an injury replacement in 2025.

The 38-year-old threw for 1,721 yards, 10 touchdowns, and five interceptions in 10 appearances for the Falcons last year.

There are several teams in the NFL whose 2026 quarterback situation is up in the air, including the Pittsburgh Steelers.

The NFL continues to wait for future Hall-of-Famer Aaron Rodgers’ retirement decision, and it could be waiting a while longer.

Rodgers led the Steelers to the NFL playoffs in 2025, but after they were dismantled at the hands of the Houston Texans, long-time head coach Mike Tomlin departed.

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At the time of Tomlin’s departure, many thought that the 22-year veteran would have called it a career by now, but that’s not the case.

The odds are rising for a Rodgers return, whether that is to the Steelers or not, is not known just yet.

But, if he decides to retire or play elsewhere, Pittsburgh will be left with a QB room of Will Howard, and backup Mason Rudolph.

In this scenario, Cousins could be a target, as after Mike McCarthy’s controversial hiring, it’s clear to see that they are not pushing the rebuild button.

The Minnesota Vikings, who just watched the QB they let go for J.J. McCarthy win the Super Bowl, could also be an option for Cousins.

Especially given his experience in the Vikings’ offense under head coach Kevin O’Connell.

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The Cousins – Atlanta era might be over, but it’s not the door closed on his NFL future.

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