Kirk Cousins News: After six seasons under center for the Minnesota Vikings, Kirk Cousins is officially headed south. On Monday, March 11th, 2024, news broke that Cousins agreed to a lucrative four-year deal worth $180 million with the Atlanta Falcons, with a guaranteed sum of $100 million. This signing marks a significant development for both franchises as the NFL free agency period gets underway.
A New Chapter in Atlanta
The Falcons were vocal about their need for a veteran quarterback throughout the 2023 season. The arrival of Cousins provides stability at the position, following Matt Ryan’s trade to the Indianapolis Colts last year. While some questioned the wisdom of giving a big contract to a quarterback nearing his 36th birthday (his birthday is in August 2024), Cousins’ experience and consistent production were undeniable assets for Atlanta.
It’s worth noting that Cousins is coming off an Achilles tear suffered in late 2023. However, reports suggest he has made a full recovery and is ready to compete at a high level. His leadership and ability to protect the football are seen as valuable additions to a Falcons team looking to return to the playoffs.
Here's the ESPN breaking news on Kirk Cousins signing with the Atlanta Falcons, with reaction from Dan Orlovsky. 🏈📺 pic.twitter.com/BRKUdpbGfT
— Awful Announcing (@awfulannouncing) March 11, 2024
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Farewell to Minnesota
For the Vikings, the departure of Cousins signifies the end of an era. Drafted by Washington and later joining Minnesota in 2018, Cousins led the Vikings to a pair of divisional round appearances but never quite managed to break through to the Super Bowl. While his accuracy and statistical production were often impressive, questions lingered about his ability to elevate his game in big moments.
The Vikings released a statement thanking Cousins for his contributions and leadership. They also acknowledged the “positive dialogue” that ultimately couldn’t bridge the gap between the team’s vision and Cousins’ contract demands. With Cousins out of the picture, Minnesota now faces the task of finding his replacement. Whether they opt for a veteran free agent, draft a young prospect, or roll with a developmental option on their current roster remains to be seen.
Looking Ahead
The Kirk Cousins saga has dominated headlines in Minnesota for weeks. Now, with the dust settled, both the Vikings and Falcons can focus on building their teams for the upcoming season. Cousins arrives in Atlanta with the pressure to deliver wins and potentially lead the Falcons back to postseason glory. Meanwhile, the Vikings enter a new chapter, searching for the next quarterback to take them to the promised land.
Content Contributor: Sridhar Naresh
