Falcons 'Feel Good' About Signing Kirk Cousins as Free Agency Opens

The Atlanta Falcons are in talks with former Minnesota Vikings quarterback Kirk Cousins.

As the NFL legal negotiating period opens, the Atlanta Falcons have been engaged in discussions with free agent quarterback and former Minnesota Vikings standout Kirk Cousins.

According to NFL Network insider Mike Garafolo, the Vikings are still in the race for Cousins - but the Falcons are optimistic about their standing.

"Atlanta's felt good about this early on in the process," Garafolo said. "We're two hours into the legal negotiating window, so they are two hours into their conversation with Kirk Cousins, and they feel good about their potential to land him."

Oct 8, 2023; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Minnesota Vikings quarterback Kirk Cousins (8) passes against the Kansas City Chiefs in the second quarter at U.S. Bank Stadium / Credit: Brad Rempel-USA TODAY Sports

Both Atlanta and Minnesota have been making last pushes, but the deal is expected to be done before the end of Monday.

Fellow NFL Network insider Tom Pelissero said Cousins' contract is expected to be worth upwards of $40 million.

The guaranteed money is expected to be a critical part of Cousins' decision, as he's played on a fully guaranteed contract for each of the past nine years.

Minnesota's made plans this offseason in case it loses Cousins, according to Pelissero.

"He's talking to the Falcons," Pelissero said. "There's certainly, both sides are evaluating their options at this point. The Vikings have made contingency plans."

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During his six years in Minnesota, Cousins completed at least 65.9 percent of his passes in each year, eclipsed 4,200 yards through the air on four occasions and thrice threw 30 or more touchdowns.

The 35-year-old Cousins is coming off a torn right Achilles tendon suffered Oct. 29, 2023.