The Athletic’s Josh Kendall and Jeff Howe report Kirk Cousins is expected to be released.

29 January 2026

The way the Falcons re-structured Cousins’ contract earlier in the offseason pointed to this, but Kendall also reports that Cousins could be brought back by the Falcons on a less-expensive contract. Cousins will likely have his share of suitors in the offseason despite entering his age-38 season, so it’s no lock he’d be back in Atlanta if released. Kevin Stefanski notably didn’t say much when asked about Cousins at his opening press conference earlier in the week.