Kirk Cousins’ Arrival at Atlanta Falcons Labeled “A Big Upgrade” as Desmond Ridder Traded to Arizona Cardinals

A swap in a quarterback role has occurred to shake up the NFL world! Kirk Cousins was looking for a long-term deal, after deciding to leave the Minnesota Vikings. And he got one with the Atlanta Falcons. With this move, he not only secured his future but also will be settling into a new home with familiar surroundings.

On Thursday, March 14, Cousins signed a lucrative four-year deal worth $180 million with the Falcons. While on the other hand, ex-Falcons QB Desmond Ridder was traded to the Arizona Cardinals after his two-season stint. Meanwhile, this swap between the quarterbacks has caught the attention of Pat McAfee and his team, who claimed it was “a big upgrade” for multiple reasons.

Is Kirk Cousins the perfect choice for the Falcons?

In the latest episode of The Pat McAfee Show, the team discussed the recent move by the Cardinals and Falcons. As Cousins signed a new deal with the Falcons, McAfee expressed, “If you’re a Falcons fan you got to be thanking the heavens because all they thought last year was that Smith won’t give anybody the ball who’s good at football Kyle Pitts is one of them, Bijan Robinson’s another one, Kirk Cousins can get the rock to people. This is a big upgrade for Atlanta. I’m pumped for the Atlanta Falcons fans.”

His co-host, Ty Schmit, highlighted further, “They’ve drafted skill in the top 10, three years in a row, so it’s like that was the whole thing, hey we just need a quarterback and I think everyone kind of knew Desmond Ridder, like they were going to give him a shot.” Schmit stated that Cousins has consistently performed well, even after recovering from an Achilles injury. The analyst concluded by mentioning that despite any personal opinions about his personality, Cousins always delivers on game days and shows toughness.

Now, as Cousins is back with the Falcons, most of the people around him are happy, including himself, due to the hometown connection.

Kirk Cousins is feeling privileged!

Kirk Cousins said goodbye to his fans, coaches, and teammates as he prepared to join the Falcons. In a farewell video, Cousins expressed mixed feelings about leaving, describing it as a “bittersweet” day. He thanked everyone at the Vikings organization for their support and emphasized the importance of having a strong team around him as a quarterback. Cousins had been with the Vikings for six seasons, during which he felt privileged to lead the team’s offense.

In a video that he shared, Cousins stated, “It was a privilege to quarterback the Minnesota Vikings and a privilege that brought much responsibility.” He also expressed appreciation for the Vikings fans. Atlanta holds significance for Cousins and his family. His wife, Julie Cousins grew up there, and they have spent time in the area several times during the off-seasons. When the opportunity to join the Falcons arose, Cousins felt it was the right move, especially considering the strong commitment of the team toward him.

He signed a four-year contract worth up to $180 million with $100 million guaranteed with Atlanta, feeling confident that this could be a place where he could finish his career if he performs at his expected level.

Read more: Not Sold on Desmond Ridder’s Ability, Falcons GM Admits Drafting a QB as a ‘Top Priority’ With the Likes of Jayden Daniels in Sight