Free agent Pro Bowl quarterback Kirk Cousins has agreed to a four-year contract with the Atlanta Falcons. The deal is reportedly worth $180 million and comes with $100 million in guarantees.
The news about Cousins’ agreement with the Falcons was confirmed by the player’s agent, Mike McCartney, on social media.
Cousins spent the last six seasons with the Minnesota Vikings, signing with the franchise in 2018. During that time, Cousins made three Pro Bowls while also leading the Vikings to two postseason appearances.
The Vikings reportedly had an interest in retaining Cousins but ended up deciding the price was too high for them. There were concerns about Cousins’ age, as he turns 36 in August, as well as his health, considering that he is returning from an Achilles injury he suffered in 2023.
“After significant and positive dialogue with Kirk and his representatives, we were unable to reach agreement on a contract that fits the short and long-term visions for both Kirk and the Minnesota Vikings,” Vikings general manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah said in a statement shared on Monday.
The Falcons were likely fine with the potential downsides of signing Cousins because it meant acquiring a franchise quarterback they haven’t had since Matt Ryan left in 2021. Atlanta started Marcus Mariota, Desmond Ridder, and Taylor Heinicke under center in the past two seasons, but neither has proved to be a long-term solution.
Cousins, who spent the first six seasons in the NFL with Washington, has a 76–67–2 record as a starter. He completed 66.9% of his career passes while throwing for 39,471 yards, 270 touchdowns, and 110 interceptions.
