Falcons expected to release Kirk Cousins after just one season following lackluster play: report

Cousins is owed a $10 million roster bonus on March 17, and according to the report, executives across the NFL expect Cousins to be released before then. 

Cousins' cap hit for next season would have been $40 million if he were still on the roster, but cutting him adds another $25 million to Cousins' cap charge towards the Falcons' salary cap for next season. 

Cousins also has a no-trade clause, and according to the report, he is not expected to waive it. 

The 36-year-old quarterback was reportedly frustrated that the Falcons had taken a quarterback with the eighth overall pick in the draft last season, picking Cousins' eventual replacement instead of a player who could help them win now. 

Cousins' frustrations with how things were handled have executives believing that the quarterback is not going to do the team any favors and waive his no-trade clause, according to the report. 

Cousins will be in position to sign a league veteran contract with another team, like Wilson, while still being paid by the Falcons not to play for them. 

Through nine games, things were going swimmingly for Cousins and the Falcons. The team was 6-3 and atop the NFC South.

Cousins has completed 66.9% of his passes, throwing for 3,508 yards and 18 touchdowns this season while also throwing a league-high 16 interceptions.

Across his last five games, Cousins has thrown just one touchdown with nine interceptions.