Kirk Cousins Joins Atlanta Falcons in 4-Year Contract
The Atlanta Falcons have made a significant move to strengthen their roster and bring themselves closer to contention. They have agreed to terms with free-agent quarterback Kirk Cousins on a four-year contract, according to his agent Mike McCartney. This acquisition represents a big and expensive swing for the team’s owner, Arthur Blank, and first-year head coach Raheem Morris. However, the biggest question surrounding Cousins is how quickly he can recover from a torn Achilles tendon he sustained last season.
Cousins, who previously played for the Minnesota Vikings, has had a successful career as a starting quarterback. In his six years with the Vikings, he had a record of 51-39-1. Before that, he spent six years in Washington, where he had a record of 26-31-1 as a starter. He was highly sought after in this year’s free-agent market and was ranked seventh overall among free agents by The Athletic’s Randy Mueller.
The Falcons have been struggling at the quarterback position since trading Matt Ryan to the Indianapolis Colts in 2022. They have had three consecutive 7-10 seasons with various quarterbacks, resulting in poor passing statistics. According to TruMedia, during this stretch, the Falcons ranked 28th in passing yards per game, 25th in passer rating, and 22nd in expected points added per dropback.
Having a top-quality quarterback is crucial in the NFL, and the Falcons are determined to find one who can lead them to success. Team CEO Rich McKay expressed their intention to win and compete at the highest levels. Cousins’ addition to the roster should stabilize the position and give the Falcons a chance to improve their performance.
During his time with the Vikings, Cousins proved himself as a reliable quarterback. He ranked third in the NFL in passing touchdowns, sixth in passer rating, 11th in expected points added per attempt, 13th in passing yards per game, and 17th in yards per attempt. His performance in the 2023 season was particularly impressive before his injury, as he led the league in passing yards per game.
In Atlanta, Cousins will have the support of one of the best offensive lines in the NFL. The team has also drafted talented offensive skill-position players in recent years, including tight end Kyle Pitts, wide receiver Drake London, and running back Bijan Robinson. With these weapons around him, Cousins should be able to thrive in Atlanta’s new offensive system under coordinator Zac Robinson.
The Falcons have high hopes that Cousins’ addition will make them contenders in the NFC South, a division dominated by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in recent years. The team has not made the playoffs since the 2017 season, and Cousins himself has a limited playoff record. However, his experience and skills make him a valuable asset to the Falcons’ roster.
Cousins’ journey to Atlanta has been an interesting one. He was selected by Washington in the fourth round of the 2012 draft and became their starting quarterback four seasons later. He has since made several Pro Bowl appearances and was named the PFWA most improved player in 2015. Cousins was also featured in Netflix’s “Quarterback” series last offseason, and his wife Julie is a Georgia native and University of Georgia alumna.
In terms of his performance last season, Cousins was having one of his best games before his injury. His traditional numbers looked sharp, but there were indications of some empty production in less meaningful situations. Overall, he ranks as an upper mid-range quarterback within the league.
Scouting reports on Cousins highlight his fundamental skills and efficiency as a quarterback. He has good intangibles and is capable of delivering most NFL throws. Despite coming off a significant injury, he still has the potential to be a mid-tier starting quarterback in the league.
The addition of Kirk Cousins to the Atlanta Falcons’ roster brings much-needed stability and talent to the quarterback position. With a strong offensive line and talented skill-position players around him, Cousins has the potential to lead the Falcons to success. The team’s aspirations to compete at the highest levels may finally be within reach with Cousins under center.