The Atlanta Falcons have finally solved their franchise quarterback issues. The club agreed to terms on a four-year deal with former Minnesota Vikings free agent quarterback Kirk Cousins on Monday, according to his agent, Mike McCartney. But not many were expecting this to happen.
In the latest episode of the New Heights podcast, Jason and Travis discussed Cousins and his new contract. Travis, like many, had thought that he would go to a stronger team, that had a chance of winning games. But Cousins surprised him with this move.
Travis Kelce stunned by Cousins’ decision
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‘This move is such a Kirk Cousins move, man,” he said with a chuckle. Kelce had his bets on Cousins joining one of those top-tier teams, or at least one that’s in the running. Because with Cousins on board, they’d definitely be in the mix. He was pretty convinced Cousins had the self-confidence to pull that off.
However, even he was shocked by Cousins’ decision to go with the Falcons. But he admitted that there probably were other factors that went into making this kind of decision. “Obviously a lot of other things factor into where you go as a free agent. I’ve never been a f***ing free agent so I don’t know how that process even goes.”
But what would he have to work with, in Atlanta?
Kirk Cousins faces an uphill battle
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According to Adam Schefter over at ESPN, Cousins will be making $180 million from this deal, which breaks down to about $45 million each season. And get this – $100 million of that is guaranteed. Cousins, at 35, was totally on fire in 2023, having one of his standout seasons. Up until a tough break in Week 8 at Lambeau Field, where he tore his right Achilles tendon. He was neck and neck for the lead in passing touchdowns with 18 and was second in the league with 2,331 passing yards.
With four Pro Bowl nods under his belt, Cousins stands tall among the current QBs, landing in fifth place. And he’s etched his name 24th in the history books with a whopping 39,471 passing yards over his 12 seasons. Not to mention, his 270 touchdowns put him 20th in the all-time rankings, with just 110 interceptions. Plus, the guy’s got some moves, rushing for 958 yards and notching another 19 touchdowns.
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Now, Cousins is about to dive into a treasure trove of talent with the Falcons. He’s got a solid wall of first-rounders on the O-ine – Kaleb McGary, Jake Matthews, and Chris Lindstrom have got his back. And the excitement doesn’t stop there. He’s got some fresh, first-round talent like tight end Kyle Pitts, receiver Drake London, and running back Bijan Robinson all set to make some magic on the field with him.
Can he replicate his early successes with the Vikings in Atlanta now?