While many believe veteran quarterback Kirk Cousins is on the verge of being released by the Atlanta Falcons this offseason, some are wondering if the

The Atlanta Falcons shocked the football world when they selected quarterback Michael Penix Jr. in the first round of the 2024 NFL Draft shortly after signing fellow quarterback Kirk Cousins to a four-year,

Kirk Cousins is mulling retirement after the Falcons benched him and plans on cutting him from the roster this offseason.

Now, mere days after Cousins was sent to the bench, ESPN 's Adam Schefter reported that the Falcons are expected to cut Cousins before a $10 million roster bonus is due in March. Cousins signed a four-year, $180 million deal to join the Falcons this past March, a contract which included $100 million guaranteed.

The Kirk Cousins era with the Atlanta Falcons lasted just 14 games after he signed a four-year, $180 million contract.

The Falcons drafted Washington standout Michael Penix Jr. in the first round, which was a surprise to Cousins. Penix, who was considered one of the more pro-ready quarterback prospects in the class, will make his first NFL start this Sunday against the New York Giants.

The Falcons will have to act quick to save money if they decide Michael Penix Jr. is the future at quarterback.

Kirk Cousins ‘ stint in Atlanta will likely last one season. According to ESPN’s Adam Schefter, there’s an expectation that the Falcons will cut the veteran quarterback before he’s owed his $10MM roster bonus in mid-March. Some sources described the impending divorce as “inevitable.”

Kirk Cousins' divorce from the Falcons is expected to be finalized before his $10 million roster bonus is due March 17, with executives across the league fully expecting Atlanta to have to release him by then.

The Atlanta Falcons are likely to release Kirk Cousins before mid-March, less than a year after he left the Minnesota Vikings to head to Georgia. ESPN's Adam Sc

Josh Buckhalter covers the NBA and NFL for Heavy.com. He has covered both leagues since 2016, including bylines at FanSided, Last Word on Sports and Clocker Sports. He's based in Villa Park, Illinois. Follow Josh on Twitter and Instagram: @JoshGBuck More about Josh Buckhalter