Kirk Cousins, Falcons Agree to 4-Year $180 Million Deal

© Tork Mason / USA TODAY NETWORK

Quarterback Kirk Cousins and his agent have once again showcased his negotiating skills as the former Minnesota Viking signed a deal with the Atlanta Falcons for $180 million over four years. The deal comes with a $50 million signing bonus and $90 million guaranteed to the 12-year NFL veteran.

Cousins came to Minnesota one year after their 2017 NFC Championship berth and signed three fully guaranteed contracts during his six years in Minneapolis. The Vikings went 50-37-1 with a 1-2 playoff record and one NFC North title during Cousin's tenure. He threw for 23,265 yards and 171 scoring strikes as a Viking with a 67 percent completion rate.

Kirk COUSINS COUNTS CASH

Atlanta appears to have found a solid replacement for the best quarterback in franchise history, Matt Ryan, who left in 2021. The Falcons finished 2023 at 7-10 for the second consecutive year and have won exactly that many in five of the last six seasons. Desmond Ridder and Taylor Heinicke shared quarterbacking duties for the Falcons last season and their performance was "inconsistent," according to owner Arthur Blank.

The arrival of Cousins should calm any Falcons fans' nerves about making plays in the draft for a big-time QB prospect or working out deals to trade for other starters. Cousins has made the fourth-most career earnings in NFL history and his production has matched his price. He currently sits in the top 25 all-time in passing yards and touchdowns. After his guaranteed rate this year, Cousins will move to second on the career earnings list, trailing only Aaron Rodgers.

Cousins is heralded around the league for his infectious kindness and killer mentality on the gridiron, Atlanta native and founding member of the rap group Migos, Quavo, has already penned a new moniker for Cousins and is ecstatic that his Falcons could contend for a playoff spot once again.

FALCONS FLYING HIGH

Atlanta hasn't won the division since their ill-fated 2016 season, but Cousins has brought stability to every quarterback room he has entered in the NFL. Atlanta could now be a serious challenger for Tampa Bay on the NFC South throne. Despite whiffing or passing on younger quarterbacks in the past like Lamar Jackson and Deshaun Watson, Atlanta appears to be comfortable with Cousins as their future franchise quarterback.

The four-time Pro Bowler is set to start his 13th season in 2023 for this third team and pick back up where he left off last season before an injury derailed what appeared to be a career year for the former Michigan State Spartan. Cousins accumulated a league-best 18 touchdown passes and 2,331 yards in eight games last season until a torn right Achilles tendon sidelined him for the year.

Minnesota's main priority this offseason was to secure their future with superstar wideout Justin Jefferson and this deal gives them more wiggle room. Cousins will join a young offensive core in Atlanta with promising weapons in Bijan Robinson, Drake London and Kyle Pitts. The Falcons also have three first-round picks moving bodies on the offensive line who will serve as protectors for Cousins in passing situations.