Topic / Subject

Falcons GM Ian Cunningham says Atlanta plans to release Kirk Cousins on March 11 — the first day of the new league year — giving the QB market instant clarity. 

TL;DR

Atlanta is officially moving on, and Cousins will hit free agency right as the QB carousel starts spinning. 

Key Details

NFL.com reports Cunningham told reporters at the Scouting Combine that Cousins will be released March 11.  Reuters also reports the release date and frames it as an “out of respect” clarity move for Cousins and his agent.  ProFootballTalk notes the contract structure and how releasing Cousins before later vesting/guarantee dates fits the cap math. 

Breakdown

This is the rare “no games, no mystery” announcement. Teams often drag these decisions out; Atlanta is basically telling the league, “Yes, he’ll be available — plan accordingly.” 

For Cousins, it’s a clean runway into free agency: he can talk to QB-needy teams immediately once the calendar flips, instead of waiting for a surprise cut. 

For the Falcons, it’s about cap flexibility and getting the next phase started — whether that’s building around their current QB room, adding competition, or pivoting to another plan. 

What to Watch Next

Which “win-now” teams kick the tires first once Cousins is officially free.  Whether Atlanta uses a post–June 1 mechanism (or similar) to spread dead money and free space.  Any follow-up quotes from Cousins’ camp once the market forms.

Sources

NFL.com — Falcons to release QB Kirk Cousins on March 11 when new league year begins

Reuters — Falcons GM confirms QB Kirk Cousins to be released March 11

ProFootballTalk — Falcons GM Ian Cunningham confirms plan to release Kirk Cousins

Comment

If Cousins hits the market healthy, is he a starter upgrade — or a “bridge QB” only?