Kirk Cousins ​​may not be cut by the Falcons after banking $180 million

While the Falcons could just cut their losses with Kirk Cousins ​​and release him before the start of the new league year, there are other possible outcomes after he was benched in favor of rookie Michael Penix Jr. and the team is fighting for a spot in fighting in the playoffs.

According to NFL Network, the Falcons (7-7), who are one game behind the NFC South-leading Buccaneers, could end up keeping Cousins ​​as a backup for 2025 because Penix is ​​on his rookie contract, allowing the team to cope better to have such an expensive No. 2.

Keeping Cousins, 36, is not “off the table,” the report said.

Alternatively, Cousins ​​could choose to retire after signing a four-year, $180 million contract in the first season that included $90 million guaranteed at signing.

After tearing his Achilles last season, Cousins ​​posted a career-best performance of 16 interceptions along with 3,508 yards and 18 touchdowns in 14 games.

Cousins ​​is expected to need about a month after the season ends to weigh his options, the report said.

A trade is unlikely because Cousins ​​has a no-trade clause and has virtually no incentive to agree to a deal.

So if Cousins ​​wants to continue his NFL career, the Falcons will most likely just rip off the Band-Aid and cut Cousins ​​before he’s due a $10 million roster bonus in March.

The Falcons announced Tuesday that they were benching Cousins ​​for Penix Jr. after coming off a tough 15-9 win over the Raiders on Monday night that sent Atlanta four games away.

Cousins ​​hit 11 of 17 for 112 yards, one touchdown and one interception.

Penix Jr. will make his first career start on Sunday against the Giants.

He made brief cameo appearances during losses to the Seahawks and Broncos earlier this season.

The Falcons defeated the Buccaneers twice this season and own the tiebreaker.

Tampa Bay visits the Cowboys on Sunday night before finishing with a pair of home games against the Panthers and Saints, while Atlanta heads to a game against the Commanders next Sunday night before closing out the season at home against the Panthers.