Kirk Cousins has opted to sign a lucrative four-year, £180 million (£140.5m) deal with the Atlanta Falcons, declining an offer from the Minnesota Vikings. The 35-year-old quarterback played out the final year of his previous contract with the Vikings last season but couldn’t reach an extension agreement with the team. The Falcons, looking to bolster their offense, expressed interest in Cousins to lead their new scheme.
After six seasons with the Vikings, where he guided them to an impressive 13-4 record in 2022 before a season-ending injury in 2023, Cousins is now leaving teammates like Justin Jefferson and Jordan Addison behind to join the Falcons. Mirror Sport has outlined five main reasons why Cousins likely chose the Falcons over returning to the Vikings.
One key factor was the long-term nature of the deal. Despite the Vikings’ desire to retain Cousins, rumors indicated they were eyeing a young quarterback to lead their team forward, suggesting they were unlikely to match Atlanta’s offer of a four-year contract. Additionally, the Falcons’ offer included a substantial salary of more than £35 million per season, providing Cousins with financial security and the opportunity to potentially finish his career in Atlanta.
Another significant factor in Cousins’ decision was his family’s ties to Atlanta. His wife, with whom he has been married for 10 years, is from Atlanta, and her family and friends still reside there. The couple, along with their two sons, will be relocating to Atlanta as Cousins begins his tenure with the Falcons, likely resulting in the sale of their Minnesota home. Their connection to Atlanta, where they got married, played a significant role in their decision-making process.
Zac Robinson is an innovative offensive coordinator in the NFL, recently joining a new team after his time with Sean McVay’s Los Angeles Rams, where he gained a strong grasp of analytics. Previously, he contributed to Pro Football Focus, a company that analyzes NFL games and player performance to optimize strategies.
Robinson’s experience under McVay, known for his creativity, has honed his skill in play selection. Now, he brings this expertise to enhance the offensive capabilities of his new team, alongside quarterback Kirk Cousins.
Joining a team with a formidable offensive line, Cousins can expect solid protection in the pocket. He will also have the advantage of working with talented offensive weapons. Bijan Robinson, an electrifying running back, is expected to thrive in Robinson’s offensive scheme.
In the receiving corps, Cousins will have reliable options like Drake London as a primary wide receiver, complemented by the versatility of Kyle Pitts at tight end. Cousins’ proficiency in targeting tight ends, combined with Pitts’ ability to stretch the field vertically, adds a dynamic dimension to the team’s offense.
