Overview
- ESPN reported the rework adds a $67.9 million guarantee for 2027 that vests on March 13, the third day of the 2026 league year.
- Cousins’ 2026 base salary drops from a non‑guaranteed $35 million to $2.1 million, lowering his immediate cap charge without altering existing guarantees.
- Cap analysts note a post–June 1 release before March 13 is a logical option to split dead money between 2026 and 2027 and preserve flexibility.
- The veteran said he wants to keep playing and would “love” to stay in Atlanta after starting the final seven games for injured Michael Penix Jr. and closing 5–2 with 10 touchdowns and five interceptions.
- Atlanta dismissed head coach Raheem Morris and GM Terry Fontenot after Week 18, and Penix’s late‑November ACL surgery clouds his Week 1 timeline.