Falcons, QB Kirk Cousins Agree to Four-Year Contract

The former Minnesota Vikings quarterback is joining his third NFL team.

The Atlanta Falcons and Minnesota Vikings quarterback Kirk Cousins have agreed to a four-year contract, his agent Mike McCartney tweeted on Monday afternoon.

The agreement is worth a potential $180 million with $100 million guaranteed, per ESPN’s Adam Schefter.

Cousins is expected to take over the starting role in Atlanta under new coach Raheem Morris, who made it clear last month that he wasn’t satisfied with how quarterbacks Taylor Heinicke and Desmond Ridder performed last season. The Falcons posted a 7–10 record in 2023.

The Falcons hold the No. 8 pick in the 2024 NFL draft, and some observers thought the team might select a quarterback in the first round. Instead, Atlanta will go with a veteran.

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The Vikings had “internal conversations” about an offer made to Cousins to keep him in Minnesota, The Athletic’s Dianna Russini reported Sunday. Vikings general manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah confirmed that account in a statement Monday.

“After significant and positive dialogue with Kirk and his representatives, we were unable to reach agreement on a contract that fits the short and long-term visions for both Kirk and the Minnesota Vikings,” the statement read, in part.

Statement from #Vikings GM Kwesi Adofo-Mensah pic.twitter.com/nbR3z15VLz

— Minnesota Vikings (@Vikings) March 11, 2024

Cousins was the Vikings’ starting quarterback for the past six seasons. His 2023 season was cut short when he tore his Achilles in Week 8. He has posted videos on his recovery journey in the months since. He threw for 2,331 yards and 18 touchdowns in eight games before being sidelined.

Cousins, a four-time Pro Bowl selection, played his first six pro seasons with Washington after being drafted in the fourth round in 2012 out of Michigan State.