A Kirk Cousins Decision Is Taking Shape in Atlanta
As the NFL offseason approaches, the Minnesota Vikings are expected to pursue a veteran quarterback over the next couple of months. One familiar name continues to surface in that conversation, and events in Atlanta suggest clarity may be coming sooner rather than later.
Schefter wrote on ESPN.com, “Atlanta Falcons quarterback Kirk Cousins is expected to be released before the start of the new league year in March, allowing him to choose where or if he wants to play in 2026, league sources told ESPN.”
Cousins signed a monster contract in 2024, paying him $180 million over four seasons. The Falcons have unsurprisingly deemed that salary as too expensive for their backup quarterback, as they are expected to move forward with 2024 draftee Michael Penix.
“The Falcons recently restructured Cousins’ contract with the idea that it would be easier for both sides if the four-time Pro Bowler was released sooner rather than later, giving Cousins the optionality that he wanted and adding financial flexibility for Atlanta.”
That contract restructure was the first indication, but not a guarantee, that a release would follow. Schefter explained the details, “Cousins and the Falcons modified the final two years in his contract, changing his 2026 base salary from $35 million to $2.1 million but adding the leftover $32.9 million to his 2027 base salary to now make it $67.9 million. That $67.9 million would become guaranteed if Cousins remains on the Falcons roster at the start of the league year in mid March.”
In simple terms, the move created a narrow window for Atlanta to decide whether to move on. If he isn’t cut by that date, Cousins’ full contract would become guaranteed and the Falcons would be on the hook for the entire $180 million.
After a release, Cousins would be an unrestricted free agent and could pick his next team. He has done well under those circumstances, signing lucrative contracts with the Vikings in 2018 and the Falcons in 2024. As he’s getting up there in age and has displayed a decline over the last couple of years after his Achilles injury, his price tag should be much more affordable for teams.
Still, there will be suitors. The Steelers don’t have a starting quarterback if Aaron Rodgers decides to retire or sign elsewhere. Justin Fields was benched last year and the Jets could be in the market for a more reliable starting option. And, well, the Vikings.
J.J. McCarthy hasn’t shown enough in 2025 to be considered a sure-fire starter moving forward and the Vikings have strongly indicated that they want him to face some competition for the QB1 job. Cousins could do that, coming off a season with 10 passing touchdowns and only 5 interceptions in his limited game time. He did lead the Falcons to a 5-3 record in his 8 starts.
Schefter also offered another possibility for Cousins’ future.
“Cousins would like to play next season but also has dabbled in television, appearing on CBS’s pregame show during the postseason. TV is expected to be an option for Cousins, as is retirement. But he also will be fully open to finding the right opportunity with another NFL team in need of quarterback help.”
Cousins ranks second in touchdown passes in Vikings franchise history. He has familiarity with head coach Kevin O’Connell and surely hasn’t forgotten how to connect with superstar receiver Justin Jefferson.
Alec Lewis of The Athletic noted on Saturday, “It’s my understanding that Kirk Cousins will be open to returning to the Vikings, if genuine interest is there, and if the situation feels right (opportunity wise, more than anything). Also wouldn’t be surprised to see him have other opportunities (teams & TV).”
Cousins certainly makes sense for the Vikings as an addition to the quarterback room that currently has only J.J. McCarthy and Max Brosmer under contract for the 2026 campaign. The quarterback play was the main culprit in the lost season and a steady passer is needed in case McCarthy’s struggles continue.
With Cousins’ situation in Atlanta coming into focus, speculation around his next move is only beginning — and Minnesota is unlikely to stay out of that conversation for long.
Editor’s Note: Information from PFF, Over The Cap, and Sports Reference helped with this article.