3 Falcons cut candidates entering the 2026 offseason

The The Atlanta Falcons got a new head coachand now they need it solve your quarterback situation. They also need to get their roster in order for 2026, and here are three shortlisted candidates entering the offseason.

A late four-game winning streak lifted the Falcons to 8-9 and into a tie for first place in the NFC South. But that wasn’t good enough to get them into the playoffs.

Improving things on the edges of the roster could make all the difference for the 2026 season. But here’s a middle ground where the team could start.

The Falcons could release VR Darnell Mooney

After spending his first four seasons with the Bears, Mooney came to the Falcons. He had a strong 2024 campaign with 64 catches, 992 yards and five scores.

However, things went south for Mooney in 2025. He caught just 32 passes for 443 yards and one score. And that level of performance is a big reason why he might not return in 2026.

Quarterback Kirk Cousins thought to return for Mooney below, according to atlantafalcons.com. But that never came to pass.

“He’s had a heavy, hard arm with the collarbone even since last season and then in training camp,” Cousins ​​said. “So you kind of have to build from there. I’d like to see it really take off here in the latter part of the year.”

Having a new coach could go one of two ways for Mooney. But it’s hard to imagine the Falcons counting on him. It wouldn’t be surprising to see the Falcons select a wide receiver with their first pick. It doesn’t come until the 48th overall pick.

Also, they could test the free agent market. They need a strong No. 2 receiver to go along with Drake London, who has become one of the best receivers in the league.

QB Kirk Cousins ​​could be on his way out

This is a tough call. Some people expect Cousins ​​to be the Falcons’ starting quarterback in 2026. If not, they should look for a less expensive backup.

Michael Penix Jr.’s injury. complicates the issue. One option is to release Cousins ​​and see if he returns, according to The Athletic.

“Quarterback Kirk Cousins ​​has two years left on his contract but is expected to be released in early March after Atlanta restructured his contract so that he will be owed $68 million if he is on the roster on March 13,” Josh Kendall wrote. “Cousins ​​could be released and then re-signed if he doesn’t find a better option elsewhere, and the Falcons are interested in bringing him back under a less expensive contract.”

Stefanski taking over as head coach doesn’t hurt Cousins’ chances.

“Obviously I’ve had a relationship with Kirk before, but I don’t know if it’s time to talk about all that stuff yet,” Stefanski said. “Those talks will come in due time.”

“I’ve been able to be exposed to different quarterbacks, whether it’s a rookie or a 40-year-old Brett Favre or a 40-year-old Joe Flacco, so I’ve seen a bunch of different guys at that position. I think our job as coaches is to put a structure around them, to put together a curriculum that allows them to accelerate things in certain areas. We’re going to work together to get them better.”

The Falcons could land running back Leonard Floyd

Age is the biggest factor for Floyd on this list. The 10-year veteran will turn 34 before the start of the 2026 season.

Additionally, he surrendered his fewest sacks since 2019. Floyd managed just 3.5 sacks despite starting 15 games. The Falcons rejuvenated their pass rush in last year’s draft, bringing in James Pierce Jr. and Jaylon Walker. And those guys are a big part of the future of the Sokol defense.

There’s certainly nothing wrong with the kind of Floyd he can have in the locker room. Walker found that out quickly in his rookie season, according to atlantafalcons.com.

“Great guy,” Falcons defensive end Jalon Walker said. “The way he’s taken me and James under his wing and been that veteran for us and the way he mentors us and helps us and gives his two cents and things like that in certain scenarios always help.

But at the end of the day, it’s a business. And Floyd cost the Falcons $10 million for his one-year contract. It probably wouldn’t cost as much for 2026. But it’s still a savings to reduce bait.