Vikings Release Statement After Kirk Cousins Signs With Falcons
It didn't take long for the first big domino to fall in free agency.
Just hours into the legal tampering period on Monday, news broke that the Atlanta Falcons signed Kirk Cousins to a four-year deal worth $180 million. The Cousins to Atlanta rumors have been out there for weeks, and now they've finally come to fruition.
There's two sides to every free agent signing, and in this case, the Minnesota Vikings are on the opposite side of Atlanta. Cousins spent the past six seasons in Minnesota, earning three Pro Bowl selections. Now, the Vikings are left to pick up the pieces and find a replacement at quarterback.
Oct 15, 2023; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Minnesota Vikings quarterback Kirk Cousins (8) passes in the first half against the Chicago Bears at Soldier Field.
Credit: Jamie Sabau-USA TODAY Sports.
After news broke of Cousins' departure, Vikings general manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah released a statement on the matter via the team's social media pages.
"After significant and positive dialogue with Kirk and his representatives, we were unable to reach agreement on a contract that fits the short and long-term visions of Kirk and the Minnesota Vikings. Kirk holds a special place in Vikings history, and we appreciate his leadership and contributions to the team and the Minneapolis-St. Paul community over the past six seasons," the statement read.
"We wish him, his wife, Julie, and their children all the best. Our approach heading into free agency always included layers of contingencies regarding the quarterback position. We are moving forward with plans that allow us to continue building a roster that can compete for a championship."
Over his six seasons in Minnesota, Cousins completed 67.9 percent of his passes for 23,625 yards, 171 touchdowns and 55 interceptions. He ranks second in franchise history in both completions and touchdowns only behind Fran Tarkenton, as well as third in passing yards behind Tarkenton and Tommy Kramer.
As the Vikings look for their next quarterback, the Falcons are hoping that Cousins can bring some much-needed stability to the position.
