Why Falcons' Raheem Morris Could Push to Sign Kirk Cousins in Free Agency
The Atlanta Falcons are seeking a quarterback this offseason whether he comes from the draft, trade market or free agency.
Among the top free agents is Minnesota Vikings veteran Kirk Cousins, who is fresh off a torn Achilles injury.
Cousins, 35, began his career as a fourth-round pick by Washington. Among the new coaches who joined that team in 2012, Cousins' rookie year, was Raheem Morris, the current Falcons head coach.
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
While Morris coached defensive backs in 2012 for Washington, he has familiarity with Cousins and how he operates, something that may come into play for the Falcons' free agency.
Atlanta may look towards the draft first for a quarterback, but given the fact that they have the No. 8 pick, all of the best options could be gone before the Falcons are on the clock. Therefore, signing a veteran like Cousins may be the move for the Falcons for the upcoming season.
In eight games for the Vikings this season, Cousins threw for 2,331 yards, 18 touchdowns and five interceptions, putting him on pace for some of the best numbers of his career.
On top of his previous path crossed with Morris, Cousins has ties to the city. He and his wife Julie were married in Atlanta in 2014. A move to the Falcons would be closer to Julie's home for his family of four.
Signing Cousins would certainly be a risk, but even a slight upgrade from Ridder and Heinicke could get the Falcons into the postseason, and the Vikings signal caller is more than a small improvement.
