Coming into the offseason, everyone knew the Falcons were going to be aggressive in their attempt to upgrade the quarterback position with Kirk Cousins being by far the best option if Atlanta wanted to compete this season.
It was clear why the Falcons targeted Cousins, who was on pace for 40 touchdowns and 5,000 yards before an Achilles injury ended his season. The veteran was the most attainable quarterback that would give the Falcons the best chance to win right now.
New offensive coordinator Zac Robinson is familiar with Kevin O’Connell. The pair worked under Sean McVay in Los Angeles together. O’Connell runs a variation of the Rams’ 11-personnel-heavy system, and Robinson is expected to run it too. The schematic fit with Kirk Cousins is seamless.
Moreover, after heavy investment in the skill group, it was clear the Falcons needed to see some return on it. Cousins will help Kyle Pitts, Drake London, and Bijan Robinson realize their full potential.
It’s obvious why Raheem Morris and Terry Fontenot wanted Kirk Cousins, but why did he want the Falcons?
Well, some of those same aspects of what attracted Atlanta to Cousins work both ways. He’s going to be comfortable with Zac Robinson, and familiar with Raheem Morris. The Falcons have a formidable offensive line and an enticing young trio of offensive weapons.
The NFC South also has to pique Cousins’ interest, but let’s get real Falcons fans, the Vikings were as attractive of a free agent destination. Continuity is important, and Cousins rooted himself there. O’Connell and their relationship were well regarded. Justin Jefferson is arguably the best wideout in the game to go along with T.J. Hockenson and Jordan Addison.
The reality is the Vikings have a better situation for Cousins than the Falcons, so why did he choose Atlanta over Minnesota? It’s quite simple — money, cash, dough, bread, loot, dinero, shekels, moolah, whatever you want to call it.
It came down to how badly the Vikings and Falcons wanted Kirk Cousins. Well, Atlanta wanted him bad enough to give him $180 million over four years with $100 million guaranteed. As Albert Breer expanded, there were a lot of factors, but it came down to dollars and cents.
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Photo: Andy Lewis/Icon Sportswire
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