Gridiron Glory. Football Analysis. Expert Insights.

Kirk Cousins, Atlanta Falcons, Raheem Morris
March 3, 2024 By  Atlanta Falcons, NFL

Why Atlanta Falcons Must Sign $51 Million QB in Free Agency, Per Expert

The Atlanta Falcons’ QB situation is questionable at best. While they have Desmond Ridder and Taylor Heinicke, the two haven’t really shown the capability to lead a team to a deep playoff run or further throughout their respective careers.

With that said, the Falcons could consider pursuing Kirk Cousins in free agency as they look to maximize the other talents they have on the roster.

Why Kirk Cousins To Atlanta Falcons Is a Great Fit

Kirk Cousins, Atlanta Falcons
Oct 23, 2023; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Minnesota Vikings quarterback Kirk Cousins (8) leaves the field after the game against the San Francisco 49ers at U.S. Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brad Rempel-USA TODAY Sports

In a recent piece by Aaron Schatz of ESPN highlighting the one player that every NFL team should sign in free agency, the reporter explained why signing Cousins is the best move the Falcons can do this offseason.

Cousins is a proven veteran and a way better option compared to Ridder and Heinicke. And considering the weapons they already have on the roster, the Vikings really need a quarterback who performs at a high level consistently.

Here’s what Schatz wrote about the Vikings potentially signing Cousins:

“The Falcons can’t go on with Desmond Ridder and Taylor Heinicke as their quarterbacks. They’re wasting a great group of skill players that includes WR Drake London, RB Bijan Robinson and TE Kyle Pitts. So how about bringing in a veteran and pairing him with a young heir apparent from the middle rounds of the draft? Cousins had 63.2 QBR in half a season in 2023, his highest QBR since 2016. He had success playing for Vikings coach Kevin O’Connell, a former protégé of coach Sean McVay. Here he could play for offensive coordinator Zac Robinson, who was also a McVay protégé.”

Sure enough, however, acquiring Cousins won’t be cheap for the Falcons. The 35-year-old signal-caller is projected to get as much as $51 million per season, via ESPN’s Bill Barnwell. On Spotrac, Cousins’ market value is at $39.3 million, with the QB predicted to get a three-year, $118 million deal.

Kirk Cousins’ Atlanta Falcons Rumors

Kirk Cousins, Atlanta Falcons
Oct 23, 2023; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Minnesota Vikings quarterback Kirk Cousins (8) throws a pass against the San Francisco 49ers during the first quarterat U.S. Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeffrey Becker-USA TODAY Sports

For what it’s worth, it’s not the first time the Atlanta Falcons have been linked with Kirk Cousins. While other QBs like Justin Fields have been mentioned as potential target for the team as well, there is a general belief around media circles that Cousins is a better fit for them.

As reported recently as well, even Jordan Schultz of Bleacher Report see the Falcons benefitting from Cousins, sharing some similar insights to what Schatz wrote:

Kirk Cousins, Atlanta Falcons
Oct 29, 2023; Green Bay, Wisconsin, USA; Minnesota Vikings quarterback Kirk Cousins (8) passes the ball pressured by Green Bay Packers linebacker Rashan Gary (52) in the game at Lambeau Field. Mandatory Credit: Tork Mason-USA TODAY Sports

“Number one, they have a pretty good roster already set. They have good weapons in Bijan Robinson, Tyler Allgeir, Drake London, and Kyle Pitts. They have a good offensive line and you think about what he could do if they add Cousins. And some of the type of throws that he makes, really, really well right? He’s extremely accurate. He’s really good in play action,” Schultz explained.

It remains to be seen if the Falcons will make a move for Cousins, but considering the popularity of it, they might want to at least consider or explore it.

Kirk Cousins, Atlanta Falcons
Oct 23, 2023; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Minnesota Vikings quarterback Kirk Cousins (8) passes against the San Francisco 49ers in the third quarter at U.S. Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brad Rempel-USA TODAY Sports

For More Of My Content

Follow me on Twitter at @mcquadewarnold.  Reach out to me personally at mcquadewarnold@gmail.com.  To read more of our articles and keep up to date, click here!  –  JOIN OUR FREE FACEBOOK GROUP by CLICKING HERE

Avatar of McQuade Arnold

About McQuade Arnold

McQuade Arnold is a Co-Owner of Wisconsin Sports Heroics (WSH), Gridiron Heroics (GH), and Hardwood Heroics (HWH). He graduated from American Military University with an associate in General Studies and is currently pursuing his Bachelors in Sports Marketing. McQuade has been active duty in the United States Navy for 11 years and is currently stationed in Chicago, IL after spending time in Norfolk, VA and San Diego, CA. He is originally from Superior, WI and is a die hard Green Bay Packers, Wisconsin Badgers, Milwaukee Brewers, and Milwaukee Bucks fan. McQuade's work for WSH has been featured on YardBarker, Bleacher Report, NewsBreak, and MSN.

Leave a Comment

Share your thoughts and join the discussion

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Stay in the Game

Get the latest sports news and analysis delivered to your inbox.

Share This Article