The Falcons could re-sign recently released quarterback Joey Harrington as soon as next week, according to a person with knowledge of the situation.

The Falcons and Harrington's representative have had discussions about him rejoining the quarterback-strapped team with a restructured contract. Harrington was released by the Falcons on Wednesday.

Curtis Compton / AJC (ENLARGE)

The Falcons released QB Joey Harrington March 5 but may re-sign him as early as this week.

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Harrington, signed last spring to a two-year, $6 million contract, was scheduled to earn $2.5 million in 2008 and he is due a $1 million deferred signing bonus on March 15. The Falcons were absolved of the base salary by releasing Harrington.

By signing Harrington to a restructured contract, the Falcons could gain some salary-cap relief in the short term and retain the services of a veteran 10-game starter in 2007. As of now, Chris Redman, a free agent who signed a two-year contract Feb. 29, and second-year player D. J. Shockley are the only quarterbacks on the roster.

The Falcons are expected to select a quarterback in the April 26-27 draft.

Harrington, the No. 3 overall draft pick in 2002 by Detroit, was forced into the starting role at the outset of last season after Michael Vick pleaded guilty to federal dogfighting charges, which led to him being sentenced to 23 months in prison and being suspended, indefinitely, by the NFL.

Harington completed 215 of 348 passes for seven touchdowns. He also threw eight interceptions and was sacked 32 times. Harrington was pulled in and out of the lineup by former coach Bobby Petrino, and he lost his spot for good late in the season when Redman was inserted as the starter of the final four games.

In other developments, Cincinnati free-agent center Alex Stepanovich visited the Falcons on Friday. Stepanovich was a part-time starter last season, and he also can play guard.