The Minnesota Vikings made a bold move by offering Kirk Cousins the first fully guaranteed contract in NFL history, cementing their trust in the quarterback’s abilities. Despite never having won a Super Bowl, the Vikings pinned their hopes on Cousins to lead them to success, only to see those aspirations dashed when he suffered a season-ending injury during the regular season.
As the NFL offseason unfolds and teams engage in pivotal decisions regarding player acquisitions and releases, Kirk Cousins has emerged in the headlines as a potential player targeted by the Atlanta Falcons.
Is Kirk Cousins going to join the Falcons?
With free agency on the horizon, Kirk Cousins is becoming a notable option for teams in need of a quarterback. Out of all the interested parties, the Atlanta Falcons are leading the pack in potentially adding Cousins to strengthen their offensive lineup. The Vikings face an important choice regarding Cousins’ contract, which is set to expire on March 13. They need to decide whether to extend their partnership or let him consider other options.
DraftKings Network has pinpointed the Falcons as a potential landing spot for Cousins if he becomes available, giving them favorable odds at +300. A notable aspect is Cousins’ family connection, as his wife, Julie, has roots in Alpharetta, with her parents still residing there.
The oddsmakers have Kirk Cousins at -200 to stay in Minnesota, and +300 to sign with the Falcons. (The Commanders are surprisingly high on the board, too.) https://t.co/tvblL7h38f
— ProFootballTalk (@ProFootballTalk) February 17, 2024
Bleacher Report further highlights Cousins’ sustained high-level performance, presenting an enticing prospect for the Falcons, who possess offensive talent but lack a quarterback to unlock their full potential.
Nevertheless, despite approaching 36 and facing injury concerns, DraftKings remains uncertain about Cousins’ departure, giving the Vikings a -200 favorability rating for potentially re-signing him.
Kirk Cousins’ previous season was ruined by injuries
Kirk Cousins faced a setback in his promising 2023 season when a season-ending Achilles tendon tear on Oct. 29 abruptly altered the trajectory of his successful run. The injury, occurring late in the fourth quarter, not only impacted the Vikings’ season dynamics but also disrupted Cousins’ stellar performance throughout.
Prior to the injury, Cousins showcased impressive statistics, recording 2,331 yards, 18 touchdowns, 5 interceptions, and a QB rate of 63.2. These numbers reflect his significant contributions before the unfortunate incident that curtailed his season.
Throughout his tenure with the Vikings, Cousins has secured three fully guaranteed contracts, indicating his value in the league. Heading into the offseason, he aims to negotiate a similar deal, reportedly $90 million, that reflects his contributions and potential impact on any team.
Do the Vikings truly want to keep Kirk Cousins? If so, they're handling the situation poorly. https://t.co/yuCubgExjF
— ProFootballTalk (@ProFootballTalk) February 17, 2024
Meanwhile, as he confronts potential uncertainty about his future in Minnesota, yet the Vikings appear less committed to retaining their franchise quarterback.
It will remain to be seen whether the Vikings, at last, will give value to their franchise quarterback.
