Report of Falcons' plan to release Kirk Cousins in March is "pure speculation"

With Falcons quarterback Kirk Cousins sent to the bench, many are making predictions about his future.

The team, however, has not yet made any decisions.

In response to a report from Adam Schefter of ESPN.com that the Falcons are expected to release Cousins before March 17, a source with knowledge of the situation calls the report "pure speculation."

Examining the report more carefully, it is exactly speculation. It's couched in terms of "executives across the NFL fully expecting Atlanta to release him by then."

The report also has one fact wrong. The purpose wouldn't be to avoid a $10 million 2025 roster bonus before it becomes due; it would be to prevent a 2026 roster bonus from shifting from guaranteed for injury to fully guaranteed.

After giving him $62.5 million this year and owing him $27.5 million fully guaranteed for 2025, $10 million is somewhat smaller potatoes.

Per the source, no decisions about 2025 will be made until 2024 ends. Given the low cap numbers tied to the rookie contract of Michael Penix Jr., Cousins could remain as the backup. At a salary of only $27.5 million for 2025, it's both a bargain and an insurance policy against Penix being injured or ineffective.

So while it might be true that various unnamed executives expect the Falcons to release Cousins, and there's indeed a chance it will happen, for now the Falcons are fully focused on finishing the 2024 season with a playoff berth. They'll figure out 2025 when 2025 arrives.