Kirk Cousins is set to depart from Minnesota and join the Atlanta Falcons, securing another lucrative contract through a well-timed move into free agency.
According to a reliable source, Cousins has agreed to a four-year deal worth $180 million, with $100 million guaranteed. This includes a hefty $50 million signing bonus, and his salaries for 2024 and 2025 are fully secured. With an annual average value of $45 million, Cousins’ new contract would place him among the top 10 highest-paid quarterbacks in the NFL.
Atlanta had a pressing need for a quarterback after struggling with Desmond Ridder and Tyler Heinicke last season. The fact that Cousins’ wife, Julie, hails from Alpharetta, a suburb of Atlanta, made the move an obvious choice, despite the 35-year-old leaving behind a comfortable situation in Minnesota.
General Manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah of the Vikings expressed gratitude for Cousins’ contributions over the past six seasons but acknowledged that they were unable to reach a contract agreement that aligned with both parties’ visions for the future.
Since parting ways with Matt Ryan in 2022, the Falcons have struggled to find a stable quarterback situation, drafting Ridder in the third round and signing Marcus Mariota, neither of which proved successful. With the NFC South presenting an opportunity, Cousins will have promising young talent around him in Atlanta.
Despite working his way back from a torn Achilles tendon, Cousins maintained a strong passer rating of 103.8 in eight games for the Vikings last season. His performance saw significant improvement since the arrival of Vikings Coach Kevin O’Connell in 2022.
Moving forward, the Vikings are committed to a “competitive rebuild,” with plans to continue building a roster capable of competing for a championship. With Cousins’ departure, they will need a succession plan for the quarterback position, likely targeting prospects in the upcoming draft.
Cousins’ career trajectory reflects not only his on-field success but also his savvy business acumen. After signing a historic fully guaranteed contract with the Vikings in 2018, Cousins has continued to capitalize on his value, earning over $228 million in the past eight seasons. Despite financial success, Cousins has only one playoff win to his name, highlighting the importance of team success over individual achievements.
