Kevin Stefanski continues to shape his coaching staff with the Atlanta Falcons. The addition of a passing game coordinator marks a significant shift in direction for the team-one that could signal the eventual departure of veteran quarterback Kirk Cousins.
After bringing in his former Browns colleague, Tommy Rees, as offensive coordinator, Stefanski is moving quickly to accelerate the Falcons’ rebuild.
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Now, the Falcons’ new head coach has secured Tanner Engstrand to revitalize a passing offense that ranked among the worst in the 2015 NFL season:
- No. 19 in average passing yards: 207.2
- No. 28 in completion percentage: 60.9
- No. 26 (tied) in touchdown passes: 19
- No. 25 in passer rating: 86.7
The front office hopes Engstrand can reverse this troubling trend. The bigger question, however, remains: What will happen to Kirk Cousins?
Cousins’ contract could burden the Falcons
According to The Athletic’s Josh Kendall, the Falcons are preparing to part ways with Cousins before March 13.
Kendall reported:
“Cousins is expected to be released in early March after Atlanta restructured his contract so that he will be owed $68 million if he’s on the roster on March 13.”
Stefanski’s arrival initially seemed like a positive sign for the 14-year veteran. After all, Stefanski helped Cousins play some of his best football during their time together with the Minnesota Vikings.
However, salary cap realities may outweigh that relationship, especially with sophomore Michael Penix Jr. waiting for his opportunity.
All is not lost for Cousins
While Cousins’ departure appears almost certain, Kendall clarified that the veteran could re-sign with Atlanta on a more affordable deal if he doesn’t find a better opportunity elsewhere.
That scenario would leave Cousins in a familiar position: serving as a backup to a young quarterback, much like he did at the end of the 2025 season.
The Falcons’ accelerated rebuild and its impact on the salary cap seem to have sealed Cousins’ fate. The only question now is whether he will accept a role mentoring his potential successor.
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