Four-time Pro Bowl quarterback Kirk Cousins has a brand-new team.
Entering free agency as the top available quarterback, Cousins has decided to leave the Minnesota Vikings and sign with the Atlanta Falcons.
The four-year deal is worth $180 million, which includes a $50 million signing bonus and $100 million total guaranteed.
The #Falcons are signing Kirk Cousins to a four-year, $180 million contract that includes a $50M signing bonus, per sources.
Another monster payday for Cousins, who gets $100 guaranteed — $90M in 2024 and ‘25, plus another $10M in 2026 — and a fresh start in Atlanta at age 35. pic.twitter.com/NkFNMzSjF5
— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) March 11, 2024
The 35-year-old Cousins was in the middle of a stellar 2023 season before suffering a torn Achilles tendon which derailed the Vikings hope for a potential Super Bowl run.
At the time of his injury in Week 8 against the Green Bay Packers, Cousins led the NFL in touchdowns (18) and was second in passing yards (2,331).
Falcons fans, come get your fix of Kirk Cousins highlights 🤩
🎥: @KHollowell_ pic.twitter.com/SEmKNmoyoE https://t.co/Gr0UCtWiAK
— The 33rd Team (@The33rdTeamFB) March 11, 2024
Throughout his career, Cousins has established himself as one of the league’s most durable quarterbacks, having started 136 out of a possible 138 games since becoming the starting QB for Washington back in 2015.
He’s also one of the most underrated players of this current generation. While he often gets a lot of heat for underperforming in primetime games, not enough people truly realize how elite of a quarterback he is.
WELCOME TO ATLANTA CAPTAIN KIRK COUSINS! 🫡 #DirtyBirds #RiseUp
Kirk Cousins rushing highlight coming in!
pic.twitter.com/yPM0ylQudX— Harrison Cordell Fant (@Fantavious9) March 11, 2024
Cousins spent three seasons as the full-time starter in Washington but failed to secure a long-term extension, playing his final two seasons on the franchise tag.
In 2018, Cousins entered the free-agent market at the age of 30, an uncommon occurrence for a high-level quarterback in his prime, drawing significant attention from NFL teams.
The Minnesota Vikings, eager to capitalize on their success following a playoff run led by backup Case Keenum in 2017, swiftly secured Cousins, hoping to elevate their chances of reaching the Super Bowl.
Needless to say, those Super Bowl dreams never came true in Minnesota. Now, general manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah and the Vikings will head in a different direction at quarterback.
This is where the Kwesi era really begins
— Cram (@AlexCrameri20) March 11, 2024
As the most sought-after quarterback on the market, Cousins’ decision to sign with the Falcons sent the football world into a frenzy on social media…
“Drake London and Kyle Pitts right now…”
Drake London and Kyle Pitts right now
— GPOgiants (@GPOGiants1999) March 11, 2024
“Falcons offense is going to be RIDICULOUS”
Falcons offense is going to be RIDICULOUS
— Fernando Ocasio (@TechPalsTalk) March 11, 2024
“Kirk is worth it. He’s the most insanely underrated QB in the league.”
Kirk is worth it. He’s the most insanely underrated QB in the league.
— Tracy Loveall (@RedsFanTL) March 11, 2024
“I know Justin Fields like…”
I know Justin Fields like: pic.twitter.com/I14wJxgxC1
— Kakarot (@ShadBoogie) March 11, 2024
“Insanely good signing by falcons.”
Insanely good signing by falcons💪💪💪💪💪
— Truth (@777numbers) March 11, 2024
“Going from Matt Ryan to another Matt Ryan, they ain’t winning no chip!”
Dissing on a hall of fame lmfaoo
— M (@MichaelHardca14) March 11, 2024
“Kyle Pitts’ Instagram story – looks like Atlanta’s No. 8 is contemplating a switch back to No. 84 after the Falcons signed Kirk Cousins, who wore No. 8 in Minnesota.”
“I wouldnt mind that but let Kirk pay him some of that signing bonus for it.”
I wouldnt mind that but let Kirk pay him some of that signing bonus for it😂😂
— Michael (@Lakitu886) March 11, 2024
What are your thoughts on the Falcons signing Cousins?
How many more years does he have left at a top level?
How big of an impact will he have in Atlanta???
Jessie Bates III weighs in on the Falcons’ signing of Kirk Cousins:
“Just Believe 🏆” pic.twitter.com/VwG0NqDUzf
— Daniel Flick (@ByDanielFlick) March 11, 2024