Kirk Cousins was the Atlanta Falcons’ top NFL free agent target heading into the offseason. With the league’s tampering window starting on Monday, the Falcons may have to start considering their backup quarterback alternatives.
One week ago, Mike Florio of Pro Football Talk revealed that Cousins and his family were seriously considering moving from Minnesota to Atlanta. It prompted talk that the four-time Pro Bowl selection could leave the Vikings for a bigger deal from the Falcons.
Following the story, speculation arose about the Vikings’ quarterback options. Minnesota is largely regarded as the squad other teams would have to beat out in the 2024 NFL Draft for J.J. McCarthy. The front office has also been linked to a few free-agent quarterbacks. However, the situation appears to be changing.
ESPN’s Dan Graziano reported on Sunday that Cousins and the Vikings are still talking. While Minnesota has apparently not made the veteran’s desired offer, negotiations have proceeded since last week. Furthermore, Cousins and his family like Minnesota.
The Falcons are not out of the running for Cousins by any means. However, one Vikings official told ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler that the team sees it as a true 50-50 struggle. Atlanta is pushing hard because owner Arthur Blank is determined to upgrade at quarterback, but the Vikings want to keep Cousins.
If the Vikings win the bidding battle, Atlanta will need to pivot swiftly. Baker Mayfield is set to reach the open market, but his asking price is comparable to Cousins’ contract demands. If the Falcons wanted to make a trade, the price for Chicago Bears quarterback Justin Fields is dropping.
Cousins is the biggest QB domino that will fall during NFL free agency. Once he is officially signed by either the Vikings or the Falcons, it may set off a chain reaction in which players like Fields, Mayfield, and Sam Darnold find new homes quickly.
