Cam Newton Makes Hypocritical Argument Against Falcons Signing Kirk Cousins?

Former Carolina Panthers quarterback Cam Newton did not mince words when criticizing the Atlanta Falcons signing of Kirk Cousins.

The Atlanta Falcons have their next franchise quarterback in Kirk Cousins, thanks to the four-year, $180 million contract that was officially signed on Wednesday. And while most of the reception to the Falcons signing Cousins has been seemingly positive, there has been at least one "harsh" critic.  

That is former Carolina Panthers quarterback and longtime Falcons' foe Cam Newton. The 34-year-old has been out of the NFL since 2021 and is now the host of his own podcast, the "4thand1Show."

“It is extremely alarming that he only had one playoff win in 12 years,” Newton said. “He’s coming off of an injury. Why didn’t they get Justin Fields? I can’t make it about me, but if I were to make it about me, it’s like, I’m in Atlanta.”

Clutchpoints

Newton, an Atlanta, Georgia, native, began his rise to prominence at West Lake High School, which is now just under a half-hour drive from the Falcons' home, Mercedes Benz Stadium. And as he notes, Atlanta is still where he calls home, which makes it no surprise that he uses the soundbite to throw his name into the ring.

However, as Newton's show's Twitter account described his argument against the Cousins deal, "harsh" seems like the right word. Newton's sole reason for opposing the Falcons' signing of Cousins' lowly 1-4 record in the postseason. 

This makes it hypocritical of Newton to suggest that the Falcons should have traded for current Bears quarterback Justin Fields instead. 

If finding a quarterback who can not only help the Falcons make the postseason, but win games in it as well, then why should they trade for a signal-caller who has yet to even play on a team with a .500 record?

Some may say that the argument against Fields is unfair, considering the situation that he was drafted into in Chicago. We can admit that it isn't fair to Fields. But that is the point: if Newton is going to hold Cousins solely accountable for his four playoff losses, then he should also call out Fields for the Bears' struggles. 

New Falcons TE Woerner Excited to Join Hometown Team

Lack of playoff success aside, Cousins has still found success in other areas. In 2023, the four-time Pro Bowler joined Peyton Manning, Tom Brady, Phillip Rivers, and Drew Brees as the only quarterbacks to have thrown 25 or more touchdowns in eight consecutive seasons. 

If it weren't for his season-ending Achilles injury this past season, Cousins could've made it nine straight years with 25 or more touchdown passes. 

While a debate can be had over the contract given to Cousins, there is no debating that the Falcons were in desperate need of an upgrade at quarterback after last season's plan of Desmond Ridder and Taylor Heinicke didn't work out.