Falcons Shouldn't Have Overpaid for Kirk Cousins amid Latest NFL Free Agency Rumors

The Atlanta Falcons made a big move to land a new starting quarterback. But was it the right move?

As the NFL's legal tampering period for free agency began Monday, the Falcons wasted no time in finding a top QB. They've agreed to sign Kirk Cousins to a four-year deal worth $180 million, according to NFL Network's Tom Pelissero, who reported that the 35-year-old will get a $50 million signing bonus.

Cousins is guaranteed to earn $100 million ($90 million across 2024 and 2025, then $10 million in 2026), per Pelissero. So it's a big payday for the 12-year NFL veteran who previously spent six seasons in Washington and six in Minnesota.

Atlanta wanted an upgrade at quarterback after Desmond Ridder made 13 starts last year and Taylor Heinicke made four. Ridder struggled and was unlikely to be the QB of the future, while Heinicke is a veteran backup who is better suited for that role.

While Cousins is a clear improvement, it doesn't mean he is worthy of the contract that he'll be receiving from the Falcons. In fact, it wasn't the best move for the team from a financial standpoint.

First off, Cousins will be 36 when the 2024 season gets underway in September. There's a chance he won't still be an effective QB by the time he gets to the back half of this deal, so Atlanta could be hoping he plays well enough in the near future to lead the team to success.

There's a chance that will be the case. Cousins is now surrounded by numerous talented offensive playmakers such as running back Bijan Robinson, wide receiver Drake London and tight end Kyle Pitts.

However, nobody knows how Cousins will perform coming off the first major injury of his career. He played only eight games last season, missing the second half of the season after suffering a torn right Achilles tendon.

Cousins has never been the most mobile quarterback, but he could be even less of a factor with his legs coming off the surgery.

If Cousins returns to play at a high level, then he'll likely put up impressive stats. The four-time Pro Bowler has passed for 39,471 yards, 270 touchdowns and 110 interceptions in 150 games, throwing at least 25 TD passes every season from 2015-22.

But Cousins hasn't experienced a ton of team success. He's only been the starting QB of a playoff team three times (2015 in Washington, then both 2019 and 2022 in Minnesota) and he owns a 1-3 postseason record.

The Falcons have the makings of a solid team. But they may not be quite at the level of a Super Bowl contender in the next year or two, which could end up being when they're trying to compete now that they have Cousins.

The NFC South has been a weaker division of late, so that could work in Atlanta's favor. But it still may have trouble stacking up against some of the NFL's top teams.

The addition of Cousins is a fine move, but the Falcons still haven't solved their quarterback situation for the long term. It may have been better for them to not pay Cousins so much and target a younger QB who could develop alongside their other young players.