Ian Cunningham speaks on the future of two Falcons starters

New Falcons GM Ian Cunningham had a lot to say at the NFL Combine about a number of key contributors from this past season.

For starters, the Falcons will be releasing Kirk Cousins on the first day of the new league year. That was a foregone conclusion when the team signed him to a restructured contract earlier this offseason. However, Cunningham also added that the team will not be re-signing the veteran quarterback. Someone else will be joining Michael Penix Jr. in the quarterback room, and it might not just be a guy there to hold the clipboard.

Additionally, Cunningham was prodded with questions regarding Kaden Elliss and Darnell Mooney — two players who experienced very different seasons.

On Elliss, who is set to become a free agent and has been a critical piece of the Falcons’ defense for the past three years, Cunningham didn’t want to commit to going all out to re-sign him, citing Atlanta’s cap situation and the number of quality linebackers who will be available.

Elliss might be the most underrated linebacker in football. He did not miss a game in three seasons with the Falcons, racking up 380 total tackles, 12.5 sacks, 12 passes defended, and two interceptions over 51 games. Losing him would be a massive blow to the Falcons’ defense. However, Atlanta’s cap situation isn’t great, and they are likely going to have to spend quite a bit of money on a quarterback, even if it’s just a quality backup. Additionally, Elliss is no spring chicken — he’s set to turn 31 years old this offseason.

On Darnell Mooney, who is an obvious cut candidate, Cunningham said the team has had internal discussions and will definitely be evaluating the wide receiver room this offseason.

After a career year in his first season with Atlanta, Mooney’s 2025 campaign was a disaster from the jump. It started with a training camp collarbone injury that forced him to miss Week 1, and he never seemed to find a groove with Michael Penix Jr. or Kirk Cousins, finishing the season with just 33 catches for 443 yards and one touchdown.

Mooney is set to make north of $18 million in 2026 in the final year of his deal. There’s simply zero chance the Falcons choose to pay him that. By cutting him, they can save more than $7 million. If they designate him as a post-June 1 cut, they’ll save more than $11 million. Unless Mooney is willing to agree to a significantly restructured contract, that seems like the most likely avenue.

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Photographer: John Adams/Icon Sportswire

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