When Baker Mayfield re-upped with the Buccaneers and Russell Wilson, the Falcons were backed into a corner. It was Kirk Cousins or bust, and Terry Fontenot came out swinging, inking the veteran QB to a four-year deal worth a maximum of $180 million with $100 million in guarantees.
If the Falcons’ plan was to compete in 2024, it was their only choice, and they were apparently willing to do whatever it took to land Kirk Cousins, who will be a massive upgrade over what they had at the position in 2023 under Arthur Smith.
According to NFL Network’s James Palmer, Kirk Cousins’ passer rating before his injury was 103.8, more than 20 points higher than the Falcons quarterback combination of Desmond Ridder and Taylor Heinicke. He also counted for more than double the passing touchdowns per game and nearly 100 more yards.
Kirk Cousins had over a 20-point higher passer rating in 2023 than the Falcons had as a team
– ATL starting QBs: Desmond Ridder (13 starts), Taylor Heinicke (4 starts) pic.twitter.com/UArhK3ttZJ— James Palmer (@JamesPalmerTV) March 11, 2024
Some will point to the negatives of the Kirk Cousins signing. That’s a lot of guaranteed money for a 36-year-old quarterback who’s only one a single playoff game.
However, it’s really this simple: the Falcons go from having the worst quarterback room in the NFC to one of the best. This is a team that managed to win seven games a year ago, despite dismal play under center. They have the talent to compete; all they needed was a competent quarterback. Cousins gives them that, making them a real threat to contend in a wide open NFC.
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Photo: John Byrum/Icon Sportswire
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