How Kirk Cousins' Release Will Impact Falcons' Salary Cap for 2026 NFL Free Agency

Atlanta Falcons quarterback Kirk Cousins' expected release will affect the team's spending power during free agency in 2026.

According to Michael Ginnitti of Spotrac, the Falcons stand to lose $10.4 million of 2026 cap space by outright releasing Cousins before the start of the new league year in March.

Atlanta would also take on a $35 million dead cap charge if he were to be cut without a post-June 1 designation, per Ginnitti.

ESPN's Adam Schefter reported Saturday that Cousins was expected to be released before the start of the new league year in order to allow him to choose "where or if he wants to play in 2026."

Cousins and the Falcons also agreed to a contract restructure that modified the final two years of his deal on Jan. 6. It altered his 2026 base salary to $2.1 million from $35 million, adding the remaining $32.9 million to his 2027 base salary and making it $67.9 million.

The $67.9 million would be guaranteed if he were to stay on Atlanta's roster at the beginning of the new league year on March 11.

Cousins started the 2025 season as a backup behind Michael Penix Jr., but later saw action after Penix suffered a season-ending torn ACL.

He completed 61.7 percent of his throws for 1,721 yards and 10 touchdowns while getting picked off five times in 10 games.