The Falcons signed Cousins to a $180 million deal, so parting ways won't be so easy, especially with a no-trade clause.

Per Spotrac, if the Falcons cut Cousins before June 1, they would take on $65 million in dead money on the 2025 salary cap. If they cut him after June 1, that $65 million would be split over the next two years—$40 million of dead money in 2025 and $25 million in '26.

Nine months after making Kirk Cousins their prized addition of the 2024 NFL offseason, the Atlanta Falcons have benched the quarterback indefinitely, turning the keys over to first-round rookie Michael Penix Jr.