Is Kirk Cousins A Good Fit For The Atlanta Falcons? 2024 Free Agent Outlook

A 35-year-old quarterback just months removed from a torn Achilles is the cream of the crop in the free-agent market. A few years ago, the injury likely would have been curtains for the career of Kirk Cousins.

Instead, there appears to be a bidding war brewing for his services. A half-dozen teams should examine a potential marriage between themselves and Cousins. Despite his age and lack of postseason victories, he’s efficiently been a top-10 quarterback throughout his Minnesota tenure.

Armed with a hefty amount of cap space, the Falcons could be the biggest competitors for Minnesota. But would he be a good fit in Atlanta or should the team search for a true franchise quarterback?

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Is Kirk Cousins a Good Fit for the Atlanta Falcons?

Drake London and Kyle Pitts would like to answer the question: Yes, Cousins would be a great fit with the Falcons.

Atlanta has been in the market for a new quarterback since Matt Ryan’s final goodbye in 2021. Marcus Mariota, Desmond Ridder, and Taylor Heinicke have been unable to support Atlanta’s athletic receiving options. If the season began tomorrow, Ridder would be the starter once again. A change at quarterback will be made in some fashion this offseason.

Kirk Cousins is considering moving his family to Atlanta, which would be an indicator of signing with the Atlanta Falcons in FA, per @ProFootballTalk pic.twitter.com/gmjXD7K50V

— SleeperNFL (@SleeperNFL) March 5, 2024

The rest of the roster is sturdy and the NFC South is the opposite of a juggernaut. The path for Atlanta to win the division is wide open. Any competent quarterback will make the Falcons the betting favorites in 2024.

Will Atlanta sacrifice cap space or assets to land their new quarterback? Cousins could cost up to $45 million per year and eat a significant chunk of their cap space. Trading draft picks and/or players for Justin Fields is another option. Fields is cheap now (he’s still playing on his rookie deal) but will be set for a massive extension in the near future, especially if he builds upon his play in a new uniform.

Which Teams Would be the Best Fit for Kirk Cousins?

Minnesota still makes a lot of sense for both parties, and there’s a path in which the Vikings can run it back with Captain Kirk and build for their future.

Cousins is a perfect fit for the offensive system run by head coach Kevin O’Connell and showcases elite chemistry with All-Pro wideout Justin Jefferson. The Vikings are a playoff team with Cousins, but are still a step or two away from being a true Super Bowl contender.

Opening drive TD and a squad Griddy 🙌 @jjettas2

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— NFL (@NFL) November 25, 2022

Minnesota could opt to sign Cousins to a short-term deal and draft J.J. McCarthy or Bo Nix with the 12th overall pick. Both quarterbacks could use a year or two of development before being thrust into game action. Once they are ready, Cousins will be close to retiring.

The Steelers, Raiders, Broncos, Patriots, and Commanders are also in the market for a new starter under center. New England and Washington control their destiny and should walk away from the NFL Draft with a rookie signal-caller. Jayden Daniels and Drake Maye are the popular candidates.

The rest of the bunch are further down in the draft order and may not be comfortable starting quarterbacks available in that range in Week 1. The Steelers, in particular, just failed in their quest to start a late first-round pick at quarterback. Kenny Pickett’s final audition may have already happened, especially if they make a push to sign Cousins or another free agent.

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