Key Takeaways:
– Kirk Cousins has signed a four-year, $180 million contract with the Atlanta Falcons, including a $50 million signing bonus.
– At 35, Cousins is recovering from a season-ending Achilles injury, raising concerns about his value given his age and recent injury.
– Former NFL quarterback Cam Newton expresses skepticism about Cousins’ worth, highlighting Cousins’ single playoff win in 12 years and his recent injury.
– Cousins boasts a career completion percentage of 66.9%, with 39,471 yards, 270 touchdowns, and 110 interceptions.
– Newton, without a deal comparable to Cousins’ especially in the later stages of his career, points out Cousins’ low-profile off the field as a factor appealing to teams.
– Newton suggests the Falcons see Cousins as a “safe” choice, similar to former quarterback Matt Ryan, and not necessarily the highest-skilled option available.
– Despite his observations, Newton is not bitter about Cousins’ contract, emphasizing that no single player is to blame for team losses.
– Newton’s own NFL career includes an MVP title, Offensive Player of the Year, Offensive Rookie of the Year, first-team All-Pro, and three Pro Bowls.
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This season, the Atlanta Falcons have secured quarterback Kirk Cousins with a hefty four-year, $180 million contract, which includes a significant $50 million signing bonus, as reported by NFL Media. Cousins, who is 35 years old, is bouncing back from an Achilles injury that cut his previous season short. Despite his commendable career achievements, his recent injury and age have sparked debate over the Falcons’ substantial investment.
Former NFL quarterback Cam Newton has voiced his skepticism regarding the value of Cousins’ massive contract. Newton pointed out on the 4th&1 podcast, “It is extremely alarming that he only had one playoff win in 12 years… he’s coming off of an injury,” expressing concern over the deal’s justification.
Throughout his career, Cousins has demonstrated solid performance with a 66.9% completion rate, throwing for 39,471 yards, 270 touchdowns, and 110 interceptions. He also has 19 rushing touchdowns to his name. Despite a regular-season record of 76-67-2, Cousins has struggled in the postseason with a 1-3 record.
Newton, who has not received a contract as lucrative as Cousins’, especially later in his career, suggests that Cousins’ appeal to teams lies in his low-profile demeanor off the field. He described Cousins as a “safe” pick for the Falcons, likening him to their former quarterback, Matt Ryan. Newton believes that the decision wasn’t based on potential or skill set but rather on Cousins’ proven track record, which he sees as more substantial than other options, such as Justin Fields from the Chicago Bears.
Despite his critical view, Newton insists he harbors no resentment towards Cousins’ success, emphasizing that no single player should bear the blame for team losses. Throughout his NFL tenure from 2011 to 2021, Newton achieved a 75-68-1 record, with a completion percentage of 59.9%, 32,382 passing yards, 194 touchdowns, and set NFL records with 1,118 rushing attempts, 5,628 rushing yards, and 75 rushing touchdowns. His career accolades include an NFL MVP, Offensive Player of the Year, Offensive Rookie of the Year, first-team All-Pro, and three Pro Bowl selections.