BREAKING: Falcons Sign Vikings QB Kirk Cousins in Free Agency
The Atlanta Falcons' long unsolved quarterback question now has an answer.
According to his agent Mike McCartney, the Falcons and quarterback Kirk Cousins agreed to a four-year contract Monday worth $180 million.
Cousins, 35, is coming off a torn right Achilles tendon suffered Oct. 29.
Sep 14, 2023; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Minnesota Vikings quarterback Kirk Cousins (8) against the Philadelphia Eagles at Lincoln Financial Field.
Credit: Eric Hartline-USA TODAY Sports
Drafted in the fourth round out of Michigan State University in 2012, Cousins has enjoyed over a decade of sustained success at the sport's highest level.
After spending the first three years primarily as a backup for the now-Washington Commanders, Cousins started every game for three consecutive seasons in the nation's capital, completing 67 percent of his passes for 13,176 yards, 81 touchdowns and 36 interceptions.
Following the 2017 season, Cousins left Washington for the Minnesota Vikings, where he spent the next six years, three of which included Pro Bowl appearances.
During his time in Minnesota, Cousins completed at least 65.9 percent of his passes in each year, eclipsed 4,200 yards through the air on four occasions and thrice threw 30 or more touchdowns.
Cousins has often drawn criticism for his play against strong competition, as he holds a career record of 14-43 when facing teams above .500. He's only 1-4 in the postseason and 1-3 as a starter.
Still, Cousins is a significant upgrade for the Falcons, who started three quarterbacks over the previous two years - Marcus Mariota, Desmond Ridder and Taylor Heinicke.
Last season, Ridder and Heinicke combined to complete 61.4 percent of their attempts for 3,726 yards, 17 touchdowns and 16 interceptions.
After 14 years with Matt Ryan under center, Atlanta's been ravaged by quarterback inconsistency - a dilemma both Cousins and the Falcons hope has now been solved.
