The Falcons still like Kirk Cousins — just not for anything close to $68 million.
While Atlanta is expected to release the veteran quarterback in March, the team is open to retaining him on a lesser deal in a twist, according to The Athletic.
Atlanta reworked Cousins’ contract earlier this month to set up his exit, and the outlet noted that the Falcons are “interested” in re-signing him and it’s possible the veteran could always circle back if he can’t find a better situation.
While it’s hard to envision any team wanting Cousins as a starter, it’s certainly possible he could prefer a backup situation with another team more than the current setup in Atlanta.
He arrived prior to the 2024 season on a massive four-year, $180 million deal with $100 million guaranteed only to lose his job to Michael Penix Jr. at the end of the season.
Cousins, 37, remained with the team due to is contract essentially preventing Atlanta from moving on and a lack of interest in the declining veteran.
He appeared in 10 games this year due to Penix battling injuries and posted modest stats, tallying 1,721 passing yards and 10 touchdowns to five interceptions.
Atlanta is set to release him since his contract now has a $67.9 million guarantee for 2027 that vests March 13, per ESPN, and clearly the Falcons and any other team won’t pay that.
The restructure reportedly did not affect any guaranteed money in his contract.
New Atlanta coach Kevin Stefanski has experience with Cousins from their time together in Minnesota, but that only carries so much weight.
Atlanta also has a new top football executive in ex-Falcons star Matt Ryan.
“Obviously, I have a previous relationship with Kirk, but I don’t know if it’s the time yet to talk about all those types of things,” Stefanski said, per The Athletic. “Those conversations will come in due time.”
Cousins could potentially aim to sign with a team that offers a potential pathway to starting or at least an organization that doesn’t have an entrenched quarterback.
The Jets don’t have a quarterback of the future at the moment, while there is uncertainty about what the Dolphins and Cardinals will due at the spot due to their underwhelming yet costly veterans.
If Cousins doesn’t find any offers to his liking, perhaps he could call it quits after 14 years and seek a media role like plenty of other ex-quarterbacks.
CBS recently added him to its “The NFL Today” crew for the Divisional Round and AFC Championship games.
