A significant shift is on the horizon for Kirk Cousins and the Atlanta Falcons as sources indicate that the veteran quarterback is expected to be released before his $10 million roster bonus becomes due on March 17. Many insiders, as reported by ESPN, anticipate that the Falcons will make this move even sooner.

Cousins, who has a no-trade clause in his contract, holds considerable leverage in this situation, complicating any trade discussions for the Falcons. With the team's current lack of playoff contention—standing at 7-7—it appears unlikely that Cousins will play a pivotal role in revitalizing the franchise’s fortunes.

The impending release of Cousins is not just a financial decision; it’s part of a larger strategy for the Falcons, who have already sunk $90 million into him over just 14 games. This massive expense for minimal returns has prompted the team to reconsider their investment in the 36-year-old quarterback, especially after he significantly underperformed following a blockbuster four-year, $180 million deal that was expected to elevate the team.

In the midst of a disappointing season, Cousins struggled to find the end zone, going through a stretch of four consecutive games without a touchdown pass. Recently, he has been benched in favor of rookie Michael Penix Jr., who the Falcons selected with the eighth overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft, marking a pivotal moment in the team’s future.

Should Cousins be released, he would enter free agency for the second consecutive offseason, opening the door for him to explore new opportunities. This could lead to interesting scenarios, as numerous teams may be in the market for a seasoned quarterback.

Following the news of his benching, Cousins reportedly handled the demotion with poise and professionalism, as noted by Falcons head coach Raheem Morris. "You know, obviously, anytime you take a step down and a demotion of whatever the case may be, it’s not gonna be met with great appreciation," Morris remarked.

This season, Cousins has completed 303 of 435 pass attempts, amassing 3,508 yards. However, his performance has been marred by inconsistency, exemplified by a troubling 16 interceptions—the highest total of his career—against 18 touchdowns.

As the NFL landscape shifts and teams scramble for their ideal quarterbacks, millions of fans will be watching to see where Cousins lands next. Could this be the end of an era for the seasoned quarterback, or will it be the start of a remarkable comeback? Only time will tell.