Kirk Cousins sent shockwaves across the NFL landscape on the official start of the legal tampering period, agreeing to a blockbuster four-year deal worth $180 million with the Atlanta Falcons.
While the NFC South team was considered a potential suitor for the four-time Pro Bowl passer, his new deal nearly hits the $200 million mark. The now former Minnesota Vikings quarterback struck up lots of reactions and conversations as free agency week has officially begun.
Kirk Cousins Has Other Numbers Leading to ‘Monster Payday’
As huge and market changing this deal is for Cousins, the $180 million isn’t the only number attached to the Falcons’ incoming QB1.
NFL Network insider Tom Pelissero outlined what else paints the picture of Cousins’ “monster payday” coming to his wallet.
“Another monster payday for Cousins, who gets $100 guaranteed — $90 million in 2024 and ‘25, plus another $10 million in 2026 — and a fresh start in Atlanta at age 35,” Pelissero noted on X (formerly known as Twitter).
This is a significant jump from Cousins’ previous contract with the Vikings. He had previously signed a two-year, $66 million deal but had played on a one-year, $35 million deal last season.
ESPN NFL insider Field Yates is one who believes Cousins was deserving of a huge pay raise.
“The internet loves nothing more than debating how good of a quarterback Kirk Cousins (for the record, I think he’s very good!). But no one can debate that my man is first ballot Hall of Famer in the world of football business. The dude stacks millions upon millions,” Yates said on X.
Notable Reactions for Cousins’ Huge Deal
Before the announcement became official, Falcons franchise legend Matt Ryan rolled out what he hoped to see Atlanta do at quarterback during his appearance on Up and Adams.
“I think you do one or two things: You’re either aggressive, and you go get Kirk Cousins, or you have to trade that pick (No. 8), or you’re going to have to trade up if they fall in love one of these guys at the top of the draft,” Ryan told Kay Adams.
“Either way, I think you’ve got to be aggressive if you’re Atlanta. They’re in a position where this roster is too good, and they’ve got to go find a guy who can be a point man for them, whether if it’s a rookie, they have to trade up or go get Cousins.”
Now, Ryan won’t see his Falcons move up to try and get Drake Maye or Jayden Daniels come April in the draft as Atlanta lures in Cousins.
Already, one fan shared an excited gif in envisioning Cousins throwing the ball to Bijan Robinson, Kyle Pitts, and Drake London — Atlanta’s three young dynamic weapons.
Others, like NFL Network draft expert Lance Zierlein, couldn’t help but react to Cousins becoming wealthy.
“Nobody in history has finessed the game more than Kirk Cousins. Seems like a genuinely good guy and has been solid as a quarterback, but man is his safe full of bags,” Zierlein posted.
Lastly, fellow NFL Network personality James Palmer has now anointed Cousins as the “financial genius.”
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“Kirk Cousins has won one playoff game. He will take his first snap for the Falcons at the age of 36 and coming off an Achilles. The man is a financial genius,” Palmer said.
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