NFL QB market, impacted by a thin draft class, features Kirk Cousins, Kyler Murray and not much else

The veteran quarterback carousel gained momentum Monday, as two NFC South franchises reshaped their depth charts and tightened an already shallow pool of available passers.

The Atlanta Falcons confirmed they will release four-time Pro Bowler Kirk Cousins in a move designed to create salary-cap relief, while the Arizona Cardinals informed Kyler Murray that he will be cut, according to league sources. The decisions strip two recognizable names from a market already viewed as thin, and they arrive at a time when evaluators consider the upcoming draft class notably light on first-round-ready signal-callers.

With Cousins and Murray poised to hit the open market, front offices searching for immediate starters have limited options beyond the pair. The developments underscore a supply-and-demand imbalance that could intensify bidding for the few proven quarterbacks available, while also raising the stakes for teams willing to gamble on developmental prospects in April’s draft.

Neither the Falcons nor the Cardinals offered additional details on timing or post-release plans for the two veterans, but both organizations are expected to turn to younger, less expensive alternatives under center. For the rest of the league, the twin announcements serve as a reminder that marquee quarterback movement this offseason may hinge on a short list of names rather than a deep talent pool.