BREAKING: New Orleans Saints Bitter NFC South Rival Signs Veteran Quarterback To 4-Year Deal

The New Orleans Saints' most hated rivals land their next starting quarterback for the foreseeable future.

The NFC South is now set at the quarterback position and perhaps will be so for years to come. Just one day after the Tampa Bay Buccaneers solidified their quarterback position, the Atlanta Falcons also nail down their new signal caller.

Per his agent Mike McCartney, veteran passer Kirk Cousins has agreed to a four-year, $180 million deal with the Falcons. The agreement will pay out $45 million per year in terms of average annual value to Cousins. It also includes $90 million guaranteed in the first two years, per NFL Network's Ian Rapoport. 

Minnesota Vikings quarterback Kirk Cousins (8) throws the ball in the first half against the New Orleans Saints / Oct 2, 2022; London, United Kingdom; Minnesota Vikings quarterback Kirk Cousins (8) throws the ball in the first half against the New Orleans Saints during an NFL International Series game at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium. The Vikings defeated the Saints 28-25. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

Less than 24 hours before this signing, quarterback Baker Mayfield agreed to a three-year, $100 million deal with the Buccaneers. Cousins' new deal exceeds that amount as well as the one given to Saints quarterback Derek Carr ahead of the 2023 season, which averaged $37.5 million per year. 

The NFC South will be led by these three passers along with Carolina Panthers' second-year quarterback Bryce Young.

Last year Cousin looked spectacular for the Minnesota Vikings until an Achilles injury ended his season after just eight contests. Through that abbreviated season, Cousin threw for 216 completions, 2,331 passing yards and 18 passing touchdowns to just 5 interceptions.

The Falcons will hope they get that version of Cousins as their next starter in Atlanta. The team moved on from young signal caller Desmond Ridder after another disappointing run at the starting job in 2023.