Minnesota Vikings quarterback Kirk Cousins will be the top free agent quarterback whom many fringe playoff teams will be looking to add in the coming weeks.
With free agency set to kick off in under two weeks, the Vikings will need to do everything in their power to retain their long-time starter under center or risk him walking to the open market for the league’s highest bidder.
According to one reputable NFL reporter, there’s one organization that makes the most sense for Cousins’ services outside of Minnesota.
Dianna Russini Ties Atlanta Falcons to Kirk Cousins
The Atlanta Falcons were an organization in 2023 that seemed to have enough talent on the roster but were a quarterback away from truly competing in an open NFC South.
That’s why, according to Athletic NFL reporter Dianna Russini, the Falcons are going to be tied to Cousins’ services if he ends up hitting the open market.
“They [Falcons] believe Cousins is the type of player who moves them from a fringe playoff team to a contender,” Russini stated. “New Atlanta head coach Raheem Morris and offensive coordinator Zac Robinson both have familiarity with Cousins.
“Knowing this could be a seamless transition for Cousins and the talented young group of players across their roster, I expect the Falcons to compete for the rights to his contract. It makes all the sense in the world.”
Russini later explained that the Vikings are going to try and bring Cousins, as head coach Kevin O’Connell wants a veteran to run his offense.
Cousins’ market will be an interesting one to watch over the next few weeks. The four-time Pro Bowler tore his Achilles midway through the 2023 season but threw 18 touchdowns to just five interceptions in eight starts last season. He’s thrown for over 39,000 career yards and 270 touchdowns in 12 NFL seasons with the Vikings and previously with the Commanders.
Minnesota may want to bring back their signal-caller, but a strong 2024 NFL Draft class could alter their plans as well. It’s what makes Cousins’ pending free agency so interesting.
Other Quarterback Options for Falcons
Should the Falcons not secure the rights to Cousins, there are plenty of free agents that Russini stated could be a fit for new head coach Raheem Morris and Atlanta’s offense.
“How about [Baker] Mayfield? I expect the Falcons to try to sign him if they miss out on Cousins or if Tampa Bay can’t get a deal done with Mayfield,” Russini said. “The [Buccaneers] have offered a new deal to Mayfield, but they’re still at an early stage in their negotiations.
“We will see if the man who bet on himself, replaced Tom Brady, and took a team to the playoffs can land a deal that could pay him in the range of $30 million to $35 million per year.”
Atlanta has over $40 million in cap space with plenty of ways to increase that total in the coming weeks. Restructured contracts to Jake Matthews, Grady Jarrett, and Chris Lindstrom would increase the cap to over $70 million — plenty of room to pay for a quality starter like Mayfield (or Cousins).
The Falcons are familiar with Mayfield from last season after splitting their pair of games with the Bucs in 2023. Mayfield threw a combined 419 yards and three touchdowns in the two games against Atlanta — leading Tampa to its third straight NFC South title.
KEEP READING: 2024 NFL Top 100 Free Agent Rankings
It is evident that Atlanta, with its quality coaching staff and roster, will be looking to improve the team by adding a free-agent quarterback in the coming weeks. Who that may be is one of the big storylines to follow for this franchise once the legal tampering period begins.
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