THE Atlanta Falcons haven’t made their final decision on the bench quarterback’s long-term future Kirk Cousinsbut others around the NFL think a split is inevitable, according to ESPN’s Adam Schefter.

And time is running out.

“Kirk Cousins’ divorce from the Falcons is expected to be finalized before his $10 million bonus is due March 17, with NFL executives fully expecting Atlanta to release him from here there,” Schefter wrote.

However, while NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport agrees that cutting Kirk Cousins ​​is the most likely scenario, he suggests Cousins ​​returning as Michael Penix’s mentor is still a possibility. It would only cost the Falcons an additional $10 million.

“Cousins ​​has been a model teammate in the building, especially this week. He has sat in the same seat during team meetings and remained a leader,” wrote Rapoport on NFL.com. “He helped mentor Penix and this week, after a demotion, he led the scout team. That might allow them to keep him as a backup — since they already paid him, anyway.

“It wouldn’t be conventional, but when you combine his salary with the cheap price of Penix’s rookie contract, the entire QB room wouldn’t be that expensive. The $10 million fully guaranteed in 2026 would be really the problem. But at least keeping Cousins ​​as the lead backup hasn’t been taken off the table.”

The Falcons benched Cousins ​​Tuesday night, handing over the reins to the first-round rookie signal-caller Michael Penix Jr. for the final three games of the regular season – and, ideally, beyond.

Atlanta’s move came after Cousins ​​capped a five-game streak with just one touchdown pass and nine interceptions. Cousins, head coach Raheem Morris and offensive coordinator Zac Robinson each cited turnovers and decision-making as factors behind the move.

Les Cousins, 36, signed a four-year, $180 million contract with the Falcons in mid-March. The deal includes $90 million guaranteed over the first two years, plus the $10 million bonus mentioned above.

It’s more beneficial for the Falcons to trade Cousins, but according to Schefter, the four-time Pro Bowler is unlikely to have Atlanta’s best interest in mind.

“Front office officials observing the situation pointed out that due to the no-trade clause in Cousins’ contract, he now has all the leverage he can,” Schefter wrote. “And no one believes he’ll do any favors to a Falcons team that surprised him on draft night by selecting another quarterback in the first round, then benching him this week in favor of recruit.”

So, Atlanta could find itself without any other options this spring.

“There is now a widespread expectation around the league that the Falcons will not be able to trade Cousins ​​and will have to release him before March 17, when his $10 million bonus for the 2026 season expires” , wrote Schefter.

“The Falcons don’t need to absorb more costs for a quarterback they paid $90 million for 14 games.”

Morris and Cousins ​​each noted Wednesday that they are focused on the present and will have conversations about their future when the time is right.

“We’re just trying to get a win against the Giants,” Morris said. “That’s the most important thing for us and for everyone right now. I think we’re all focused on that. I think both of those guys want to win. I think our whole team wants to win. I think our organization wants to win, and I think that’s our goal right now.”

The Falcons (7-7) will face the Giants (2-12) on Sunday at 1 p.m. at Mercedes-Benz Stadium.