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.

By trading Cousins before June 1, the Falcons would only be held liable for the remaining prorated signing bonus of $37.5 million. This comes from the $12.5 million he is scheduled to make in the 2025, 2026, and 2027 seasons.

Kirk Cousins was one of the prized free agents of the 2024 NFL offseason. The Falcons have benched the QB and may look to offload his contract.