Why Falcons Should Not Sign Kirk Cousins In Free Agency

The Atlanta Falcons' top quarterback target comes with a host of red flags.

With free agency beginning in just one week, the Atlanta Falcons' quarterback situation should become much clearer very soon.

The Falcons have been linked to multiple free agent quarterbacks, most notably Minnesota Vikings star Kirk Cousins. The four-time Pro Bowler has always been one of the league's better signal-callers, and with him about to hit the open market, many teams in search of a new quarterback will line up for his services.

There's no doubt that Cousins is a good quarterback, but is he a perfect solution? No. In fact, there are quite a few red flags the Falcons and other teams should take into consideration before signing him.

First and foremost, there's the simple fact that Cousins will be 36 by the time next season kicks off. So while he's a good option for a team looking for a short-term boost under center, Cousins is definitely not a suitable long-term option at the position. The Falcons likely fall more into the former category, but they'll still need to find an heir to Cousins sooner than later.

Secondly, and going hand-in-hand with the previous point, is that Cousins is coming off a major Achilles injury he suffered halfway through last season. It likely goes without saying, but putting all your faith in a quarterback who's near the end of his career and coming off a major injury is always a risk (take note, Jets). While Cousins was playing some of the best football of his career before his injury, it remains to be seen how he will play after it.

Finally, there's the fact that Cousins has won just one playoff game despite being a starter for nearly a decade now. For a team like the Falcons, who are seemingly only a quarterback away from competing, there's no doubt that Cousins' lack of postseason success is a concern. To be fair, though, that playoff win coming in an upset over the New Orleans Saints probably earned him some fans in Atlanta.

Falcons Monitoring Vikings' Ticking Clock to Sign Cousins

While it seems all but inevitable that the Falcons will pursue Falcons, they must make sure they are comfortable with what they're getting, both positive and negative.