Falcons rework Cousins deal, set up key decision

"As part of the restructure, there is now a vesting guarantee in the amount of $67.9 million for the 2027 season that vests on March 13. Given the highly unlikely nature that the Falcons or any team that would acquire Cousins via a trade prior to March 13 would want to be on the hook for that $67.9 million, a decision on Cousins' future could come prior to that date."

"The restructure also included reducing his 2026 base salary from a non-guaranteed $35 million to just $2.1 million, a difference of $32.9M. That amount equals the increase in his 2027 compensation that this amended deal includes, just split differently. The restructure does not impact any guaranteed money already owed to Cousins."

"Such a release would split the dead money on Cousins contract over the 2026 and 2027 league years, as opposed to the team taking on the full amount in 2026, while also creating cap flexibility for Atlanta on June 2."

The Falcons and Kirk Cousins agreed to modify the final two years of his contract, creating a vesting guarantee of $67.9 million that vests on March 13, 2027. The restructure reduced Cousins' 2026 base salary from a non-guaranteed $35 million to $2.1 million, shifting $32.9 million into 2027 compensation without altering existing guarantees. Because it is unlikely a team would acquire Cousins before March 13 and assume the $67.9 million vesting, a decision on his future could come before that date. The Falcons are searching for a new general manager and head coach, and a post-June 1 release would split dead money and create cap flexibility on June 2.

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