Kirk Cousins will be cut by the Atlanta Falcons before his $10 million roster bonus kicks in, it has been reported.
Cousins, who signed a four-year, $180 million deal with Atlanta this offseason, lost his starting job when rookie Michael Penix Jr. was named the team’s No. 1 passer.
And according to ESPN’s Adam SchefterCousins will be released before his selection bonus starts on March 17.
While a Falcons official told ESPN it was “too early” to determine Cousins’ fate with the franchise, sources told Schefter that a rift between the two parties was “inevitable.”
Cousins has a no-trade clause in his contract and can therefore refuse to be sent to another team.
After the Falcons’ bye in Week 12, Cousins has thrown six interceptions against just one touchdown in three games.
Kirk Cousins’ time with the Atlanta Falcons will reportedly be over soon
His sixteen picks lead the league and he also has twelve fumble recoveries.
The veteran passer was guaranteed $90 million upon signing, but his time in Atlanta got off to a bizarre start when the franchise selected Penix with the No. 8 pick shortly after.
Cousins reportedly was unaware the Falcons were planning to acquire the former Washington quarterback until the move was imminent.
The 24-year-old Penix was named the team’s quarterback this week by Falcons coach Raheem Morris.
Atlanta is 7-7 with three games to play and still alive to make the postseason.
More to follow