The Kirk Cousins era at the Atlanta Falcons is already coming to an end. The official split will likely take place in March. For a specific reason.

Kirk Cousins and the Atlanta Falcons will likely go their separate ways by March at the latest.

According to an ESPN report, NFL executives assume that. The reason is a bonus of ten million dollars that will be due on March 17, 2025. The separation is inevitable at this point, they say.

Because the Falcons would hardly throw another ten million dollars at Cousins after the disastrous 2024 season. The Falcons are paying Cousins a total of $62.5 million for 2024. He has a fully guaranteed salary of $27.5 million for 2025.

The consequence of the dismissal would be a hefty dead cap hit of $65 million.

Further background: The recently fired quarterback has a no-trade clause in his contract, and the general assumption is that the 36-year-old will do the Falcons no favors after the previous history of his signing in the offseason and the subsequent selection of Michael Penix in the draft, as well as the recent sacking.

Cousins was benched after a miserable five appearances with four losses, rookie Penix is supposed to take over. The Falcons are facing Week 16 with a 7-7 record.

Since the Falcons probably can’t trade the playmaker through the clause, many in the league expect him to be released before the bonus is due. This would make Cousins a free agent again.

It’s too early to make a decision, a Falcons official told ESPN. Since Penix only gets $5.2 million in 2025, the Falcons would have the financial flexibility to possibly keep Cousins, it was reported.