Free Agency Report Card: Falcons Earn High Marks For Kirk Cousins Signing
On the first day of the legal tampering period, the Atlanta Falcons were the first team to make a major splash.
The Falcons had been in need of an upgrade at quarterback for a while now, and they finally got it by signing former Minnesota Vikings star Kirk Cousins on Monday. They also gave him by far the largest contract in free agency so far, signing him to a four-year deal worth $180 million.
There are certainly some concerns with the signing, mainly concerning the price tag and the fact that Cousins is 35 and coming off a major Achilles injury. However, there are also those optimistic that Cousins can take the Falcons up a level, as quarterback was by far their greatest weakness last season.
Oct 8, 2023; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Minnesota Vikings quarterback Kirk Cousins (8) passes against the Kansas City Chiefs in the second quarter at U.S. Bank Stadium.
Credit: Brad Rempel-USA TODAY Sports
For Bleacher Report, Atlanta earned an A grade by going "from the worst to the best quarterback situation in the NFC South in one fell swoop.
"Essentially, the Falcons found a pilot after building a jet fighter," Bleacher Report writes. "The organization repeatedly failed to address the quarterback position, but it drafted tight end Kyle Pitts, wide receiver Drake London and running back Bijan Robinson with back-to-back-to-back top-10 draft picks in the meantime.
"Atlanta also boasts one of the league's best offensive lines. Quarterback was the only missing piece on offense."
The Falcons don't have a receiver as great as Vikings star Justin Jefferson, and that will take some adjustment for Cousins. What they do have is a solid supporting cast all-around, one that should only get better as the offseason progresses.
Additionally, Cousins should fit in quite well in the Falcons' new offense. Atlanta offensive coordinator Zac Robinson learned under Sean McVay, just as Minnesota head coach Kevin O'Connell did before.
Only time will tell how the signing truly plays out, but if Cousins can come back strong from his injury, Atlanta should be in good hands.
"The Falcons lured the top quarterback on the free-agent market. They did so because they had to," Bleacher Report writes. "With that goal accomplished, they can now begin to build something of substance."
