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Report: Falcons' Kirk Cousins expected to be cut before bonus is due

So much for a four-year contract.

The Atlanta Falcons are expected to cut quarterback Kirk Cousins before his $10 million roster bonus is due on March 17, ESPN's Adam Schefter reported Saturday.

According to Schefter, multiple league sources believe that the split between the two parties is "inevitable at this point" after his benching earlier this week, meaning Cousins will likely hit free agency for the second straight off-season.

Because of the signing bonuses he received when he first put pen to paper on the deal, his salary-cap number for the 2025 season would only be $5.2 million. However, Schefter added that the expectation around the league remains that the Falcons will release him before that additional $10 million roster bonus for the 2026 season kicks in on March 17.

As part of the four-year, $180 million contract Cousins signed ahead of the 2024 campaign, a no-trade clause was included, meaning that he would have to waive it should the team wish to trade rather than cut him outright. However, Schefter reported that it's not expected he'll do the Falcons any favours.

The 36-year-old has thrown for 3,508 yards with 18 touchdowns this season but leads the league with 16 interceptions.

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      Despite a strong start to the season, Cousins has struggled in recent weeks and the Falcons have followed suit, losing four of their last five games. Because of that, the team opted to bench him going into their Week 16 matchup against the New York Giants in favour of rookie QB Michael Penix Jr.

      The first-year QB was selected by the Falcons eighth overall in the 2024 NFL Draft in a move that caused "confusion" throughout Cousins' camp on draft night, per Schefter.

      Penix Jr., 24, has made two appearances during garbage time in blowout losses this season, throwing three completions of five attempts for 38 yards. He started one pre-season game against the Miami Dolphins, throwing for 104 yards on nine for 16 passing.

      The Falcons are currently 7-7 and are outside the playoff picture looking in. They are two games back from the final Wild Card spot in the NFC and are set to take on the 2-12 New York Giants on Sunday. They will face the Washington Commanders in Week 17 in a game that could determine the final playoff spot in the conference.

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