Falcons Monitoring Vikings' Ticking Clock to Sign Kirk Cousins
The Atlanta Falcons' answer to their quarterback conundrum could be coming in the next week or so.
As a team heavily connected to Minnesota Vikings veteran Kirk Cousins, the Falcons could look to bring the former Pro Bowler to Atlanta.
Cousins, who turns 36 in August, could still sign with the Vikings, but if he does, it will likely happen before free agency officially begins next Wednesday.
Nov 24, 2022; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Minnesota Vikings quarterback Kirk Cousins (8) throws the ball against the New England Patriots during the first quarter at U.S. Bank Stadium.
Credit: Matt Krohn-USA TODAY Sports
"If the Vikings don't sign Kirk Cousins before March 13, they'll incur $28.5M in dead money from previous restructures on their 2024 salary cap," Ari Meirov of The 33rd Team said.
This could incentivize the Vikings to negotiate a new deal with Cousins, but Minnesota could be looking to start fresh with someone else under center. Minnesota made the playoffs twice in the six seasons of the Cousins era, but after he tore his Achilles midway through the year, the Vikings have reason to look elsewhere for a quarterback.
For a team like the Falcons, who have still managed to put up seven wins in each of the past three seasons despite lackluster quarterback play, signing Cousins to a two- or three-year deal could be worth it.
His familiarity with the system that new offensive coordinator Zac Robinson is going to implement is a big plus for the Falcons, and he can be a strong leader for a young Atlanta team hungry to make the playoffs.
