The Falcons have their new head coach in place, and now the real work begins. With the 2026 offseason underway, Atlanta has some serious decisions to make - especially when it comes to the quarterback room and how the rest of the roster shakes out.
After finishing 8-9 and narrowly missing the playoffs despite a late-season surge, this team is standing at a crossroads. If they want to take that next step, they’ll need to make some tough calls, starting with a few potential veteran cuts that could free up cap space and open doors for younger talent.
Let’s break down three names to watch as cut candidates heading into the offseason.
1. Darnell Mooney - WR
Mooney arrived in Atlanta after four years with the Bears and made an immediate impact in 2024, posting 64 catches for 992 yards and five touchdowns. That kind of production made him look like a strong No. 2 option behind Drake London. But 2025 told a different story.
Injuries played a role - Mooney dealt with a collarbone issue that dated back to the previous season and lingered into training camp. The result?
A steep drop-off: just 32 receptions, 443 yards, and one touchdown in 2025. That’s not the kind of output you expect from a receiver who was supposed to complement one of the league’s emerging stars on the outside.
Kirk Cousins, who’s been vocal about Mooney’s potential, hoped the wideout would find his rhythm late in the year. “He had a tough, tough hand dealt to him,” Cousins said.
“I’d love to see him really be able to take off here in the last stretch of the year.” But that breakout never came.
Now, with a new coaching staff in place, the Falcons may be ready to move on. They hold the No. 48 overall pick in the upcoming draft - not exactly prime real estate for a WR1, but certainly a spot where a solid receiver could be found.
And with free agency looming, Atlanta could also explore veteran options to pair with London. Either way, it’s hard to see Mooney being part of the long-term plan unless he takes a significant step forward - or a pay cut.
2. Kirk Cousins - QB
This one’s complicated. Cousins still has two years left on his deal, but the contract structure makes his future murky.
If he’s on the roster come March 13, the Falcons owe him a staggering $68 million. That’s a number that’s hard to justify, especially with questions about his long-term fit and the team’s evolving direction under new head coach Kevin Stefanski.
There’s a path where Cousins gets released and then re-signed at a more team-friendly number - a move that would allow Atlanta to keep a veteran presence while maintaining financial flexibility. But there’s also the chance that another team swoops in with a better offer, and the Falcons are left needing a new plan at quarterback.
The injury to Michael Penix Jr. only adds to the uncertainty. If he’s not ready to take over, Atlanta either needs to stick with Cousins or find a cheaper veteran to bridge the gap.
Stefanski, who has a history with Cousins from their Minnesota days, didn’t close the door on a reunion. “I have a previous relationship with Kirk,” he said, “but I don’t know if it’s the time yet to talk about all those types of things.” Instead, Stefanski emphasized building a system that fits whoever ends up under center - whether that’s a rookie, a journeyman, or a 35-year-old vet with playoff experience.
Bottom line: Cousins’ future in Atlanta hinges on money, health, and timing. The Falcons like what he brings, but they’re not going to pay elite money for a quarterback they may not see as a long-term answer.
3. Leonard Floyd - EDGE
Floyd is the classic “still productive, but getting pricey” veteran. He’s been a reliable presence in Atlanta’s pass rush, but 2025 saw a dip in production - just 3.5 sacks over 15 starts, his lowest total since 2019.
At 34 years old, Floyd is entering the twilight of his career, and the Falcons are clearly building for the future on defense. Last year’s draft brought in two promising young edge rushers in James Pearce Jr. and Jalon Walker, both of whom are expected to play major roles moving forward.
Floyd’s leadership hasn’t gone unnoticed. Walker, in particular, praised the veteran’s mentorship.
“The way he’s taken me and James under his wing... the way he mentors and helps us, it always helps out,” Walker said. That kind of locker-room presence is invaluable, especially for a young defense.
But Atlanta paid Floyd $10 million on a one-year deal in 2025, and while he likely wouldn’t command that again, even a smaller number might be too much for a rotational piece. If the Falcons want to clear cap space and give their young pass rushers more reps, this could be the end of the road for Floyd in Atlanta.
The Big Picture
These aren’t just cap casualties - they’re decisions that will shape the identity of the 2026 Falcons. Mooney’s future hinges on health and fit.
Cousins could still be the guy under center, but only at the right price. And Floyd’s leadership is valuable, but the youth movement on defense may push him out.
Atlanta’s new coaching staff has a lot to evaluate, and these three names are at the heart of it. How they handle these roster decisions will say a lot about where this franchise is headed - and how close they really are to turning that 8-9 finish into something more.