Kirk Cousins ​​is expected to be released by the Falcons before reaching the $10 million bonus

A Kirk Cousins ​​and Falcons divorce is imminent.

The veteran 13-year quarterback is expected to be cut by Atlanta before his $10 million roster bonus is reached on March 17, but according to ESPN, many sources around the league believe the release will happen before then becomes.

Front office executives keeping tabs on Cousins’ situation in Atlanta said the quarterback has a no-trade clause in his contract and therefore has full leverage.

Still, no one believes Cousins ​​has a future in helping the Falcons (7-7) get out of their hole.

Therefore, there is an expectation around the league that the Falcons cannot trade Cousins ​​and will have to release him before the March deadline when his bonus for the 2026 season is due.

The break-off of the relationship is certainly no coincidence.

The Falcons wouldn’t be wise to incur even more expense for a quarterback who cost the team $90 million in 14 games.

The 36-year-old Cousins ​​​​has clearly missed what was initially considered a free agency peak and is leaving the Vikings for a four-year, $180 million contract with the Falcons.

With the four-time Pro Bowler under center, the Falcons had big goals for the 2023 season after a 7-10 season.

However, Cousins ​​went four straight games without a touchdown pass and was substituted this week for rookie Michael Penix Jr., who was surprisingly selected by the Falcons with the eighth overall pick of the 2024 NFL Draft.

If released, Cousins ​​will become a free agent for the second straight year and will be able to choose a new team that best suits him.

After being benched on Tuesday ahead of Sunday’s game against the Giants, Cousins ​​is said to have “handled the move with class,” Falcons head coach Raheem Morris said.

“You know, any time you resign and do a demotion, whatever the case may be, obviously it’s not going to be met with great appreciation and all those things,” Morris said.

This season, Cousins ​​completed 303 of 435 pass attempts for 3,508 yards and had almost the same number of touchdowns (18) as interceptions (16).

The 16 interceptions are the most of his career.