The 2026 NFL Scouting Combine has officially upended the quarterback market, delivering a massive shakeup that will define the upcoming offseason. In a definitive move that sets the tone for free agency, Atlanta Falcons General Manager Ian Cunningham confirmed on Tuesday that the team will release veteran quarterback Kirk Cousins on March 11. The decision, which clears the path for the Michael Penix Jr. era, is just the first domino to fall. As the league descends on Indianapolis, rampant speculation surrounds the futures of Tua Tagovailoa and Aaron Rodgers, with executives from the Dolphins and Steelers fueling the fire of potential trades and retirements.

Falcons Officially Move on From Kirk Cousins

Ending weeks of speculation, Falcons GM Ian Cunningham wasted no time addressing the elephant in the room regarding Atlanta Falcons news. Cunningham told reporters that he has already informed Cousins and his representation that the team will release him on the first day of the new league year. The move is a calculated financial decision designed to avoid a staggering $67.9 million contract guarantee that would have vested had Cousins remained on the roster past March 13.

"I did talk to Kirk and his representation, Mike McCartney, letting them know that we will release him," Cunningham stated during his media availability. "We just felt that was out of respect for Kirk... to allow him some clarity going into free agency."

The release marks the end of a turbulent two-year stint for Cousins in Atlanta, which saw him benched midway through the 2025 season for rookie Michael Penix Jr. While Cousins returned to the lineup following Penix's ACL injury, the franchise is clearly committed to their younger signal-caller. By designating the release post-June 1, the Falcons will absorb a dead cap hit of $22.5 million in 2026, a painful but necessary pill to swallow to avoid the crippling 2027 guarantee.

What's Next for Kirk Cousins?

Despite entering his late 30s, Cousins has expressed a desire to continue playing. With the NFL free agency 2026 window opening soon, he becomes the most experienced option on the market. Teams like the Jets or Vikings, who may be looking for a bridge starter, could be potential suitors, though Cousins will likely have to accept a significantly reduced role and salary compared to his massive Falcons deal.

Tua Tagovailoa Trade Rumors Heat Up

While Cousins' fate is sealed, the future of Miami Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa remains incredibly murky. Dolphins GM Jon-Eric Sullivan sent shockwaves through the Combine when he declared that "everything is on the table" regarding the former first-round pick, explicitly confirming that Tua Tagovailoa trade rumors are more than just smoke.

"We're evaluating the entire roster," Sullivan said. "As it pertains to Tua, we've had conversations... Everything is on the table, including the potential of a trade."

Tagovailoa's standing with the franchise has deteriorated rapidly after he was benched late in the 2025 season for rookie Quinn Ewers. The financial implications here are complex; a straightforward release would trigger a record-breaking $99.2 million dead cap hit. Consequently, Miami is desperate to find a trade partner willing to take on a portion of that contract, though they may have to eat significant salary to facilitate a deal. With a new coaching regime in place, Miami signals a clear desire to turn the page, making Tua one of the most fascinating names to watch as the 2026 NFL Scouting Combine continues.

Aaron Rodgers: Steelers Return or Retirement?

In Pittsburgh, the narrative shifts from trades to the potential end of a Hall of Fame career. Steelers General Manager Omar Khan insisted that the "door is open" for Aaron Rodgers to return for the 2026 season, citing positive conversations between the quarterback and new head coach Mike McCarthy.

However, insiders suggest a different reality. Despite the public courtship, reports emerging from Indianapolis indicate that retirement is "far more likely" for the 42-year-old legend. One source close to the situation described the chances of Rodgers returning to the Steelers as "minuscule."

"I spoke to him last week. Mike McCarthy has spoken to him. He knows how we feel about him," Khan told reporters, attempting to quell the Aaron Rodgers Steelers future speculation. The reunion with McCarthy, his former coach in Green Bay, offers a compelling narrative for one final run, but Rodgers has yet to commit. If he walks away, Pittsburgh joins Atlanta and Miami in the hunt for a new identity under center, further saturating the market with needy teams.

A Historic Shift in the NFL Quarterback Landscape

The NFL quarterback rumors swirling in Indianapolis paint a picture of a league in transition. With Cousins out, Tua on the trading block, and Rodgers pondering retirement, the 2026 offseason promises unprecedented turnover at the game's most important position. As GMs continue to posture and negotiate in the hallways of the Combine, one thing is certain: the starting grids for Week 1 of the 2026 season will look drastically different than they did a year ago.