NFL Free Agency: Falcons Seem Willing to Offer a QB a “Massive” Contract to Kirk Cousins

The Minnesota Vikings’ greatest chance to get free-agent quarterback Kirk Cousins may end up being the Atlanta Falcons.

Some in the NFL, according to Dane Brugler of The Athletic, think the Falcons may give Cousins a “massive check” when the free-agency season begins the following week.

Several teams anticipate investing heavily in improving their quarterback position this offseason, including the Falcons. After trading for veteran Matt Ryan in 2022, the team has rotated around Desmond Ridder, Marcus Mariota, and Taylor Heinicke in the previous two seasons.

Given that Cousins is the very kind of quarterback the team attempted to move away from in the Ryan trade—an elderly, immobile veteran—he would be an intriguing pick to strengthen the position once again. Before rupturing his Achilles, the 35-year-old was having one of his greatest seasons in 2023, throwing for 2,331 yards and 18 touchdowns against five interceptions.

Even though Cousins has never been particularly mobile, it is unclear how he will do following a severe injury. If the Falcons are willing to give Cousins a long-term contract, they don’t seem to be worried in the slightest.

Should we take away anything from Cousins’ career, it is his capacity to sign big contracts. He currently has the fourth-highest salary of any player in NFL history and, with his next contract, may surpass $300 million in lifetime earnings.

According to Mike Florio of Pro Football Talk, Cousins is already “seriously considering” relocating his family to Atlanta, which suggests he intends to leave Minnesota to pursue other opportunities.