The NFL offseason always brings surprises. This year, one of the biggest shocks came when veteran quarterback Kirk Cousins signed a massive deal with the Atlanta Falcons. After spending six seasons with the Minnesota Vikings, Cousins is now heading south, joining a young team that’s been searching for a true leader at quarterback for years.
Many fans are asking the same questions: Why did Cousins choose the Falcons? What does this mean for Atlanta’s future? Can they finally be a playoff team again? Let’s break it down.
Cousins didn’t just take a small deal to finish his career in Atlanta. He signed a 4-year, $180 million contract, including $100 million in guaranteed money. That shows how serious the Falcons are about turning their team around.
Cousins, who is 35 years old, is still playing at a high level. Before getting injured in Week 8 of the 2023 season, he was on pace for another strong year. In just eight games, he threw for over 2,300 yards and 18 touchdowns. Despite the injury—a torn Achilles—Cousins has said he’s feeling good and expects to be ready for training camp.
The Falcons clearly believe in him. They’ve had quarterback issues since Matt Ryan left, and their young QB projects haven’t worked out. Cousins brings leadership, consistency, and experience—exactly what the Falcons need.
Some fans were surprised that Cousins chose the Falcons over other possible landing spots. But when you look closer, the decision makes sense.
First, Atlanta has a lot of young offensive talent. There’s Bijan Robinson, the explosive running back who had a great rookie season. There’s Drake London, a big, physical wide receiver. And there’s Kyle Pitts, a super-athletic tight end who just needs a reliable QB to get him the ball.
The team also hired a new head coach—Raheem Morris, who has worked with Cousins before. Morris was on the Washington staff when Cousins was there earlier in his career. That connection probably played a big role in Cousins feeling comfortable with this move.
Cousins also mentioned that he and his family like the idea of living in Atlanta. Sometimes, it’s not just about football—it’s about life, too.
Let’s be honest: the Falcons haven’t been relevant in a while. They haven’t made the playoffs since 2017. Since then, it’s been a lot of losing seasons, blown leads, and quarterback struggles.
Now, with Cousins, that could all change.
He’s not Patrick Mahomes or Lamar Jackson, but Cousins is one of the most consistent quarterbacks in the NFL. Over the last eight years, he’s thrown for over 4,000 yards in six of those seasons. He’s accurate, smart with the ball, and respected in locker rooms.
In a weak NFC South division, the Falcons might suddenly be the favorites. The Saints are inconsistent, the Panthers are rebuilding, and the Buccaneers are still figuring things out after Tom Brady retired. With Cousins under center, Atlanta has a real shot to win the division and host a playoff game.
Of course, big contracts bring big expectations.
The Falcons are not just paying Cousins to be average. They want results—and fast. With all that guaranteed money, the front office is betting that Cousins will make them a playoff team, maybe even a Super Bowl contender.
And it won’t be easy. Cousins has had his critics over the years. Some say he can’t win big games or that he’s not a true top-tier quarterback. In fact, his overall playoff record is just 1-3.
But the Falcons are hoping that in the right system, with the right players around him, Cousins can take that next step.
One interesting part of this move is how it affects the Falcons’ draft plans.
Before signing Cousins, many people thought the Falcons would use their first-round pick on a quarterback. Now, that seems unlikely. They’ll probably focus on defense, maybe going after a top edge rusher or cornerback.
Still, some experts say the Falcons could take a QB in a later round, just to develop behind Cousins. That would be a smart move, especially with Cousins turning 36 during the season.
Reactions to the Cousins signing have been mixed.
Some Falcons fans are thrilled. They believe this is exactly what the team needed—a proven quarterback who can help them win now. Others are more cautious. They worry about the injury and the cost of the contract.
One fan on social media wrote, “Cousins isn’t flashy, but he gets the job done. I’ll take that any day over what we’ve had the last few years.”
Another fan said, “I love Kirk, but $180 million? That’s risky. Hope it pays off.”
Time will tell who’s right. But one thing is clear: the Falcons are all-in on Kirk Cousins.
As Cousins heads to Atlanta, the Vikings are left with a huge question mark at quarterback.
Right now, they have Nick Mullens and Jaren Hall on the roster, but neither is expected to be the starter. The Vikings might go after a quarterback in the 2025 NFL Draft or explore free agency. There are also rumors that they could try to trade up to get a top rookie QB like Caleb Williams or Drake Maye.
It’s a big moment of change for both teams. The Vikings are entering a rebuilding phase, while the Falcons are trying to win now.
Kirk Cousins going to the Falcons is one of the biggest moves of the NFL offseason. It’s bold, it’s expensive, and it could change everything for Atlanta.
If Cousins stays healthy and plays the way he has over the last few years, the Falcons might finally get back to the playoffs. Maybe even more.
And after years of frustration, that’s something Falcons fans are desperate to see
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