The Falcons signed Cousins to a $180 million deal, so parting ways won't be so easy, especially with a no-trade clause.

With rookie quarterback Michael Penix Jr. flashing promise, don't count on the Atlanta Falcons keeping Kirk Cousins for much longer.

Per Spotrac, if the Falcons cut Cousins before June 1, they would take on $65 million in dead money on the 2025 salary cap. If they cut him after June 1, that $65 million would be split over the next two years—$40 million of dead money in 2025 and $25 million in '26.