Kirk Cousins’ future in Atlanta just got a whole lot murkier.
Heading into the offseason, it looked like the Falcons were ready to cut ties with the veteran quarterback. His contract carries a hefty cap hit in 2026, and with the team needing flexibility to build around its young core, moving on from Cousins felt like the obvious move.
But then came the curveball: the Falcons hired Kevin Stefanski as their new head coach. And just like that, what once felt like a done deal is now anything but.
Stefanski’s Arrival Changes the Equation
Let’s rewind for a moment. When the Falcons signed Cousins to a $180 million deal, it was a bold, controversial move-especially considering he was coming off a season-ending injury.
That decision ultimately played a role in the dismissal of former GM Terry Fontenot. Now, the organization finds itself in a financial bind, with Cousins’ contract looming large over the next two seasons.
But Stefanski’s arrival adds a new layer to the conversation. He and Cousins go way back.
Their working relationship began in Minnesota in 2019, when Stefanski was Cousins’ quarterbacks coach. That season, Stefanski was promoted to interim offensive coordinator, then earned the full-time title.
Under his guidance, Cousins had one of the better years of his career, earning a Pro Bowl nod and helping the Vikings make a playoff push. Stefanski parlayed that success into the Browns’ head coaching job.
It’s no secret Stefanski has long admired Cousins’ approach and professionalism. In fact, there were whispers last offseason that the Browns were interested in trading for him, but Atlanta’s asking price reportedly shut down those talks.
Now, the two are reunited in Atlanta-and that could complicate what once seemed like a straightforward decision.
The Cap Crunch Reality
The numbers, though, are hard to ignore. Keeping Cousins on the roster would cost the Falcons $35 million against the 2026 salary cap. That’s a massive figure for a 14-year veteran who, while experienced, hasn’t consistently elevated the offense and lacks mobility-something that’s increasingly valuable in today’s NFL.
On the other hand, trading him would free up $12.1 million in cap space, though it would also come with a dead cap hit of the same amount spread across 2026 and 2027. Still, that $12.1 million could go a long way in addressing other pressing needs.
Consider this: that’s roughly the cost of franchise tagging Kyle Pitts. Or, it could be used to bolster the wide receiver room-an area where the Falcons desperately need help.
With Drake London locked in as the WR1, Atlanta could use that money to bring in a complementary weapon. Players like Rashid Shaheed, Romeo Doubs, Christian Kirk, Deebo Samuel, and Alec Pierce are all projected to fall within that price range.
What About Penix Jr.?
There’s also the Michael Penix Jr. factor. The rookie quarterback may not be ready to start the season, which raises the question: Do the Falcons need a veteran bridge?
Sure-but that doesn’t necessarily mean Cousins has to be that guy. The free agent market will offer a variety of stopgap options, from steady hands like Tyrod Taylor to younger, high-upside projects like Trey Lance, Zach Wilson, or Malik Willis. Even a trade for someone like Mac Jones could be on the table.
The key here is flexibility. Committing $35 million to Cousins limits what the Falcons can do elsewhere on the roster. And with a new coaching staff and front office looking to reshape the team in their image, that kind of financial constraint could be a major roadblock.
The Bottom Line
Kevin Stefanski’s history with Kirk Cousins is real-and meaningful. There’s no doubt he values what Cousins brings to the table. But sentiment can’t drive decision-making in a league where every dollar counts.
The Falcons have to weigh the cost of keeping Cousins against the opportunity to build a more balanced, dynamic roster. That includes investing in weapons for Penix Jr., shoring up the defense, and giving Stefanski the tools he needs to succeed in Year 1.
Cousins may still have something left in the tank. But at $35 million, the Falcons have to ask themselves: is he the right fit, at the right price, for where this team is headed?
That answer might not be as clear as it once seemed.