The NFL’s annual carousel of talent commenced with vigor on Monday, as numerous players donned new colors for the upcoming season. Among them, Kirk Cousins emerged as the most notable quarterback to secure a fresh start, taking the helm for the Atlanta Falcons with a four-year contract valued at $180 million, including $100 million guaranteed.
Cousins’ move to the Falcons is particularly significant given his age and recent comeback from an Achilles injury. Nevertheless, the substantial contract reflects both his impressive career achievements and the urgent need the Falcons have for a player of his caliber.
Over 12 seasons, Cousins has earned four Pro Bowl selections, the latest in 2022, a year in which he threw for 4,547 yards and 29 touchdowns. Despite an injury-marred 2023 season, Cousins has demonstrated remarkable consistency, playing in 15 or more games in each of the eight preceding seasons and maintaining a completion rate of at least 65.9%, except for the 2017 season.
The Atlanta Falcons, like every NFL team, operate within a narrow window of opportunity for success. With talented players such as Kyle Pitts, Bijan Robinson, and Drake London, the team boasts a promising offense. What they require is a steady and unifying force, a role Cousins is now poised to fill.
The decision to invest heavily in Cousins, despite his age and recent injury, has sparked debate. Yet, the consensus so far leans towards approval, with many viewing this move as a strategic play by the Falcons.
In the realm of NFL updates, DraftKings has awarded the Falcons’ acquisition of Cousins a grade of ‘A’. This assessment underscores Cousins’ ability to reliably meet the team’s needs, likening his impact to the comforting simplicity of a slice of bread when hunger strikes. Chet Gresham echoed this sentiment, suggesting that while Cousins may typically align more with a ‘B-‘ rating, the Falcons’ pressing need for such a move, especially in a highly competitive division, justifies a higher grade.
Bleacher Report also bestowed a grade of ‘A’ on the signing, highlighting Cousins’ proven track record and the stability he brings to the Falcons’ quarterback position. This move addresses the team’s most urgent question and leverages Cousins’ experience to enhance their offensive strategy.
ESPN, offering a slightly more conservative grade of ‘B’, pointed out Cousins’ impressive performance prior to his injury, with a 69.5% completion rate and 18 touchdowns through eight games in 2023. Seth Walder from ESPN remarked that Cousins represents a reliable, if not flawless, quarterback whose presence could position the Falcons as genuine contenders in an optimal scenario.
As the NFL landscape continues to evolve, the Falcons’ bet on Kirk Cousins is a testament to their ambition and strategic foresight, aiming to capitalize on their current roster’s potential and chart a course towards success in the fiercely competitive arena of professional football.