Every team that wants to be as competitive as possible in 2024 that also has a need for a quarterback should be interested in Kirk Cousins. He’s the most readily available signal caller that offers his potential team the best chance of competing this season. For a club like the Falcons that hasn’t made it to the postseason since 2017, Cousins is an attractive target.
He fits well with Atlanta under new offensive coordinator Zac Robinson, able to work well under center, in play action, and the dropback passing game
Before tearing his right Achilles in Week 8, Cousins was completing 69.5% of his throws and had 18 touchdown passes to five interceptions. He’d be by far the most competent quarterback the Falcons have had since Matt Ryan.
It’s easy to see why the Falcons would like Kirk Cousins, but it takes two to tango. Why would Cousins choose Atlanta?
Well, the city itself is a great place to live, and the organization is first-class. He’s got family in the metro Atlanta area. Arthur Blank is a quality owner, and the actual roster is ripe for a quarterback to come in and immediately take them to playoffs by way of the easiest division in football, which is why PFF believes the Falcons are one of the three best free agent landing spots for the veteran.
It’s no surprise the Falcons frequently crop up in the Kirk Cousins sweepstakes discussions, given their roster outlook.
Atlanta has multiple skill-position players who have yet to reach their ceilings and whose potential could be unlocked by Cousins. However, Bijan Robinson, Kyle Pitts and Drake London playing for the Falcons might not even be the biggest reason why Cousins could sign with Atlanta. It’s the offensive line.
Atlanta’s offensive line ranked second in PFF’s pass-blocking efficiency metric in 2023, with an 87.4 rating. Since Cousins signed with the Vikings in 2018, Minnesota’s offensive line finished in the top 20 in that measure just twice, and their highest ranking was No. 17 in 2023.
Offensive line play is important for all quarterbacks, but especially Cousins. Over the past five seasons, he has recorded a 107.3 passer rating when kept clean, which ranks third among 34 qualifying quarterbacks. His 95.8 PFF passing grade when he is not under pressure is tied with Aaron Rodgers for the highest mark in the league over that period.
The other landing spots were the Dolphins, if Miami parts ways with Tua Tagovailoa, and the Vikings. The Raiders could also be considered a potential suitor as well.
Arthur Blank didn’t fire Arthur Smith to be patient with Raheem Morris. He wants to win right now, and Kirk Cousins is the best option to do that. Morris will go a long way with fans if he leads the club to the postseason in his first season. To do that, he has to sure up the quarterback position.
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Photographer: Nick Wosika/Icon Sportswire
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