Kirk Cousins is about to hit free agency for the first time, failing to come to terms on a new contract with the Minnesota Vikings, clearing the path for the Atlanta Falcons to sign the veteran quarterback.
According to a report from The Athletic, Cousins will begin negotiating with the Falcons as soon as the legal tampering period begins at noon on March 11.
Cousins, 35, is the prize of the veteran quarterback market as free agency nears, and has been linked to the Falcons for the past several months, even before free agency begins in earnest.
Prior to rupturing his Achilles tendon in Week 12 of the 2023 season, Cousins was in the midst of one of the most prolific seasons of his NFL career, completing 69.5 percent of his passes for 2,331 yards with 18 touchdowns to just five interceptions.
Why the Falcons Are All-In on Kirk Cousins
The Atlanta Falcons, and general manager Terry Fontenot, appear to have made adding a veteran quarterback the top organizational priority for 2024, and for good reason.
Atlanta boasts an explosive collection of offensive skill players, including dynamic running back Bijan Robinson, field-stretching wide receiver Drake London, and tight end Kyle Pitts. However, the offense was inconsistent and underperformed during the 2023 season under former head coach Arthur Smith.
Dropping Cousins into an offense with such a gifted supporting cast creates a legitimate window for the Falcons to make a strong push for the AFC South championship as early as 2024 and for the next several seasons as the playmakers continue to grow and develop with the veteran signal-caller at the helm.
Through his first 12 seasons, cousins has averaged 3,289 yards with 22 touchdowns and nine interceptions. Presuming Cousins continues to play at a consistently high level, it’s easy to see why the Falcons have made him a top priority.
What is Kirk Cousins’ Market Value?
Thanks to over $41.1 million in cap space, Fontenot and the Falcons have plenty of spending flexibility to make Cousins trade, and a long-term contract possible.
According to Spotrac, Cousins’ market value falls somewhere in the area of a three-year deal worth $118.1 million, which would average out to approximately $39.3 million, annually. That contract would make Cousins the 11th-highest-paid quarterback in the NFL.
Minnesota can always jump back into the fray with Cousins, but it appears that the Falcons are his most likely destination once free agency officially begins.