Though Kirk Cousins is expected to test the free agent market, the Falcons will still have to compete with the Vikings, a situation one Minnesota source described as 50-50.
With the legal tampering period opening up at noon today, we could see a deal come to fruition rather quickly, but it’s important to remember that the Vikings are still in the thick of things.
Kirk Cousins is seemingly prioritizing the guarantees in his contract, whether that be money or years. The Falcons seem to be more desperate than the Vikings, and rightfully so.
Atlanta has not been to the playoffs since 2017, hasn’t hosted a postseason game since 2016, and the fan base is starving for a winner. Minnesota, on the other hand, has been regulars in the postseason with Kirk Cousins under center, but they haven’t won much once they get there.
Arthur Blank isn’t one to pinch pennies either, so if Terry Fontenot sees Cousins as the answer, money will not be a problem. However, the idea that he just wants to leave the Vikings couldn’t be further from the truth.
Kevin O’Connell is one of the better offensive minds in the game, and Justin Jefferson is arguably the best pass catcher. Moreover, Cousins’ family has taken roots there. I imagine the veteran prefers to finish out his career in Minnesota.
If the Falcons are just used as leverage in negotiations, they could end up being left at the altar. In that case, where do the Falcons turn? Justin Fields? Another veteran like Jacoby Brissett or Joe Flacco? Drafting J.J. McCarthy?
Despite most fans preferring Justin Fields, some even putting the Georgia native higher on their wish list than Cousins, it seems the Falcons aren’t seriously interested in the former first-round pick.
According to Adam Schefter, the Falcons haven’t given Justin Fields any strong consideration.
Schefter on ESPN's Get Up: “It doesn’t sound like the #Falcons have given Justin Fields any strong consideration.”
We reported at the NFL Combine that Fields's market wasn't materializing, and Atlanta was focused on Kirk Cousins.
— uSTADIUM (@uSTADIUM) March 11, 2024
Justin Fields isn’t an ideal schematic fit for what Zac Robinson is expected to run in Atlanta, and he certainly doesn’t have a favorable contract to inherit, given his fifth-year option needs a decision by early May.
The writing was always on the wall, but it seems to be coming to light in the moments before free agency begins.
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Photographer: Brandon Sloter/Icon Sportswire
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