The Atlanta Falcons and Kirk Cousins ​​will reportedly part ways after the season, according to ESPN’s Adam Schefter.

The 36-year-old quarterback, who is in his first season with the Falcons, is expected to be released before March 17, when he will be eligible for a $10 million roster bonus.

After head coach Raheem Morris announced this week that rookie Michael Penix Jr. would take over the quarterback position for the remainder of the season, a separation from Cousins ​​seemed inevitable.

Cousins ​​signed a four-year, $180 million contract in the offseason to join the Falcons after six seasons with the Minnesota Vikings. Two months after that free agent deal, Atlanta used the No. 8 overall pick in the NFL Draft on Penix.

Cousins’ situation is similar to the situation between the Denver Broncos and Russell Wilson earlier this year. The quarterback was cut before his $37 million salary became fully guaranteed on March 17. After his release, Wilson signed a one-year, $1.2 million contract with the Pittsburgh Steelers.

Should Cousins ​​wear a different jersey in 2025, the Falcons would have to pay $26.3 million of the $27.5 million he is owed next season.

Who might be interested in Kirk Cousins?

There will be a number of teams looking for a quarterback in the offseason, and like Wilson, cheaper teams would immediately become more attractive.

Wilson, Sam Darnold and Daniel Jones are likely to be on the market and teams like the New York Giants, Tennessee Titans, Indianapolis Colts, New Orleans Saints and Las Vegas Raiders could be interested in Cousins ​​if they are looking for a bridge quarterback are mentoring a young signal caller they plan to select in the 2025 draft or, in the case of the Titans and Colts, currently have under contract. Yahoo Sports’ Charles Robinson even weighed in on the Cleveland Browns if they want someone to provide competition for Deshaun Watson.

Cousins, who returned this season after tearing his Achilles tendon in 2023, threw for 3,508 yards with 18 touchdowns and 16 interceptions for the 7-7 Falcons, who have slim playoff chances with three games left. He was substituted in 10 of those 14 games played.