Quality starting quarterbacks don’t usually hit free agency. When they do, it’s probably Kirk Cousins.
Six years ago, Cousins hit free agency and made bank with a fully guaranteed contract from the Vikings. Now, coming off an Achilles tear at 35 years old, he didn’t get a similar contract, but he’s on the move again.
Cousins has reportedly agreed to a four-year contract worth $180 million — including $100 million guaranteed — with the Atlanta Falcons, who have made some big moves so far this offseason.
Atlanta will enter the 2024-25 regular season with a new head coach and quarterback. New coach Raheem Morris was the defensive backs coach back in 2012-14, which were Cousins’ first three years in the NFL. He became a full-time starter in 2015.
Cousins was tied for the NFL lead in touchdowns and second in passing yards at the time of his injury, so there was still plenty left in the tank before the injury.
Falcons Super Bowl Odds
When the Chiefs were beating the 49ers to win the Super Bowl, Atlanta was +5000 to win the Super Bowl at FanDuel. Odds remained there for a long time at BetMGM, and the signing moved the line from 50-1 to +3000.
At DraftKings, Falcons Super Bowl odds started the day at +3500 and moved to +2800 when news of Cousins' move broke.
Impact on Falcons Offense
The Falcons almost won the NFC South last season with a combination of Desmond Ridder and Taylor Heinicke under center. If Cousins is able to come back to anywhere near his previous form, it's a big upgrade under center for the Falcons.
Atlanta has playmakers at all three key skill positions on which it has spent key draft capital in recent years. TE Kyle Pitts, WR Drake London and RB Bijan Robinson are the Falcons' most recent first-round picks, and all were taken in the top 10. They'll be hoping the addition of Cousins and new offensive coordinator Zac Robinson, who joins Morris in coming to Atlanta from the Rams, will be able to unlock some of the impressive potential on this roster.
What's Next for the Vikings?
Justin Fields stands out, but you'd think the Bears would want a premium price from the Vikings to trade him within the NFC North. Otherwise, expect Minnesota to be on the lookout for a veteran in free agency who can get it through 2024.
This is a deep draft for quarterbacks, so it's possible the Vikings look there for the long-term solution this year. Whoever lands in Minnesota will have a strong receiving corps of Justin Jefferson and Jordan Addison at wide receiver and T.J. Hockenson at tight end.
