Report: Falcons, Kirk Cousins Rumors 'Jumping The Gun?'
The Atlanta Falcons badly need a new quarterback this offseason, and the signal-caller they've easily been linked to the most is pending free agent Kirk Cousins.
Cousins, 35, has spent the past six seasons with the Minnesota Vikings, but it seems very likely he will head to free agency for the second time in his career on Wednesday. If/when he does become available, Cousins figures to be the best quarterback on the free agent market, and Atlanta seems to be the destined landing spot.
However, Cousins to Atlanta is far from a done deal. According to ESPN's Dan Graziano, assuming that the four-time Pro Bowl selection will sign with the Falcons is "jumping the gun."
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 you're already picturing Kirk Cousins in a Falcons uniform, you might be jumping the gun. As of the end of this week, Cousins and the Vikings were still talking, and while Minnesota hasn't gotten its offer to the point Cousins wants it, I get the sense the Vikings are still very much in this thing. Cousins likes it there. His family likes it there. He's playing for an outstanding playcaller in Kevin O'Connell and throwing to one of the best receivers in the league in Justin Jefferson. The fans like him. There's no question it's his team. He could absolutely leave if he doesn't get what he wants in a contract, and Atlanta lurks as a possible -- even likely -- destination if that happens. But until the league year opens, the Vikings still have a shot to keep him off the market.
The Vikings certainly still have a lot to offer Cousins, and the fact that he wouldn't have to move and learn a new offense is a point in their favor. However, they have to sign Jefferson to a long-term deal, which will likely cost them over $30 million annually, and have other key players such as pass-rusher Danielle Hunter about to hit free agency.
Cousins will reportedly inform the Vikings of his free agency decision by Sunday night, so the Falcons should have much more clarity very soon.
