There has been much speculation as to where free agent quarterback Kirk Cousins would ultimately end up signing with this offseason. But on Monday, all the rumors were put to bed, as Cousins agreed to a massive contract that certainly took much of the NFL world by surprise.
At 35 years old, Cousins is still playing at a very high level. This past season, he played in just eight games after an unfortunate Achilles tear ended his year. But before the injury, he was on pace to reach career highs in most important individual categories, including passing yards, passing touchdowns, and completion percentage.
With that being said, the Minnesota Vikings appeared to be reluctant to give him a long-term extension, whether that be because of his age or some of his shortcomings in big games in the past.
Due to all of this, he decided to find another home for the foreseeable future. Mike McCartney, his agent, broke the news of his client’s four-year deal to become the new starting quarterback for the Atlanta Falcons.
Excited for @KirkCousins8 agreeing to a 4 year deal with the @AtlantaFalcons
— Mike McCartney (@MikeMcCartney7) March 11, 2024
The Falcons as a landing spot certainly makes sense. It has been rumored this offseason as a possibility for Cousins. And he will have a number of young, talented receiving options at his disposal to work with.
However, details of the deal are perhaps the most jarring part of Cousins’ move to Atlanta. ESPN’s Adam Schefter broke the news of the compensation Cousins will receive, a four-year deal worth $180 million with $100 of that deal being guaranteed money.
Compensation update: Falcons are giving QB Kirk Cousins a four-year, $180 million deal including $100 million guaranteed, per source. It’s $45 million per average per year.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) March 11, 2024
Cousins has consistently shown that he is a very capable and at times great quarterback who can help any team potentially contend for a playoff spot. However, many fans aren’t exactly sold that he is worth the money that the Falcons are giving him.
I just realized that the Falcons passed on paying 26-year-old Lamar Jackson $200 million over four years so they could pay 36-year-old Achilles tear Kirk Cousins $180 million instead
— Shehan Jeyarajah (@ShehanJeyarajah) March 11, 2024
However good you think you are at business,
Kirk Cousins is better https://t.co/p0NK87EMqx
— BowTiedKong (@BowTiedKong) March 11, 2024
contracts signed by Kirk Cousins:
2012: standard 4-yr rookie deal
2016: $19.9M fully guaranteed
2017: $23.9M fully guaranteed
2018: $84.0M fully guaranteed
2020: $66.0M fully guaranteed
2022: $35.0M fully guaranteed
2024: $150M ($100M fully guaranteed)career: $411M thru…
— Warren Sharp (@SharpFootball) March 11, 2024
This man will make over $400 million in his NFL career.
Kirk Cousins, generational bag getter 💰 pic.twitter.com/GcRfA8EKnq
— Ben Stevens (@BenScottStevens) March 11, 2024
Kirk Cousins. Good quarterback. Legendary businessman
— Jim Rome (@jimrome) March 11, 2024
Cousins was able to reach the Pro Bowl three times during his six-year tenure in Minnesota, an honor that speaks to his consistency and impressive play over the years.
However, that play hasn’t exactly been all that huge of a factor for the Vikings as a team during that time. They’ve reached the postseason just twice, and only ever got to the divisional round of the playoffs with Cousins at the helm.
Could Atlanta be a destination where Cousins can thrive and potentially experience more team success? Possibly. But the Falcons are sure paying him a whole lot over the next four years to figure out whether that may be the case. And it seemingly could backfire on them in a pretty devastating way.
