The Falcons signed Cousins to a $180 million deal, so parting ways won't be so easy, especially with a no-trade clause.

With rookie quarterback Michael Penix Jr. flashing promise, don't count on the Atlanta Falcons keeping Kirk Cousins for much longer.

Per Spotrac, if the Falcons cut Cousins before June 1, they would take on $65 million in dead money on the 2025 salary cap. If they cut him after June 1, that $65 million would be split over the next two years—$40 million of dead money in 2025 and $25 million in '26.

Releasing Cousins would be a major hit to Atlanta’s 2025 salary cap, as he would count for $65 million in dead cap, per Over the Cap. It is very unlikely the Falcons would be willing to take that big of a loss in an outright cut after only having Cousins for just a season.

By trading Cousins before June 1, the Falcons would only be held liable for the remaining prorated signing bonus of $37.5 million. This comes from the $12.5 million he is scheduled to make in the 2025, 2026, and 2027 seasons.

NFL Network Insider Ian Rapoport reviews the various factors and the possible outcomes at play as the Atlanta Falcons proceed with a succession plan from Kirk Cousins to Michael Penix Jr.

Despite his benching, quarterback Kirk Cousins has no "ill will" with the Atlanta Falcons, and vice versa, according to head coach Raheem Morris.

The Atlanta Falcons are expected to release Kirk Cousins before the March 17 due date for the currently demoted quarterback's $10 million roster bonus, ESPN reported Saturday. The Falcons announced