Report: Falcons believe signing Kirk Cousins would make them contenders

Over the last 48 hours or so, the Falcons have been connected to Justin Fields, Kirk Cousins, and Baker Mayfield.

In one instance, it’s about Atlanta’s lack of interest in Fields. Most recently, Adam Schefter went as far as to say the Falcons would be a surprise to trade for Fields.

“There’s been a lot of speculation on Atlanta,” Schefter said, via On3.com. “I think Atlanta will be something of a surprise right now to trade for Justin Fields. There’s been some conversation about the Pittsburgh Steelers, maybe something can be figured out there.”

In the other two, it seems Cousins and Mayfield have piqued their interest. According to Diana Russini of The Athletic, the Falcons believe the former turns them from a fringe playoff team to a contender, citing Raheem Morris and Zac Robinson’s familiarity with Cousins as a possible reason.

“Over the next month, I’m keeping an eye on the Falcons. They believe Cousins is the type of player who moves them from a fringe playoff team to a contender. New Atlanta head coach Raheem Morris and offensive coordinator Zac Robinson both have familiarity with Cousin,” Russini said.

With the NFC wide open, why wouldn’t the Falcons believe they could become contenders in just one offseason? The drastic improvement Cousins would be over Desmond Ridder and Taylor cannot be expressed in words.

“Knowing this could be a seamless transition for Cousins and the talented young group of players across their roster, I expect the Falcons to compete for the rights to his contract. It makes all the sense in the world,” Russini added.

Additionally, the Falcons seem keen on turning their attention to Baker Mayfield if Cousins returns to Minnesota or if Tampa Bay can’t get a deal done.

“A consolation prize for Atlanta? How about Mayfield? I expect the Falcons to try to sign him if they miss out on Cousins or if Tampa Bay can’t get a deal done with Mayfield.”

Things should really begin to pick up steam when the new league year arrives in a couple of weeks for the Falcons.

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