Twist in Kirk Cousins-Falcons drama with release coming after $180 million bust

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. — the team’s first-round pick — at the end of the season.

Cousins, 37, remained with the team due to his contract essentially preventing Atlanta from moving on and a lack of interest in the declining veteran.