If Cousins is released ahead of March 17, he will carry a $90 million dead cap hit that would hit the Falcons' books all for next season. Penix would have a cheaper contract on a rookie deal, but still this will heavily restrict roster improvements for Atlanta.

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

Releasing Cousins would be a major hit to Atlanta’s 2025 salary cap, as he would count for $65 million in dead cap, per Over the Cap. It is very unlikely the Falcons would be willing to take that big of a loss in an outright cut after only having Cousins for just a season.