Overview
- GM Ian Cunningham said the team informed Cousins and agent Mike McCartney that he will be released on the first day of the new league year, calling it a decision made out of respect for Cousins and Michael Penix Jr.
- Kyle Pitts received the franchise tag, locking in a one‑year salary while both sides can negotiate a multiyear deal through mid‑July.
- Cousins will enter free agency in March and has stated he wants to keep playing after two seasons in Atlanta.
- Atlanta previously restructured Cousins’ contract to reduce the financial hit of parting ways and to open salary‑cap space.
- Cunningham said Penix is where he should be in knee rehab, though the team has not named a 2026 starting quarterback.